hvil i fred
The Norwegian phrase for "rest in peace" is hvil i fred.
This phrase is used as a blessing or an expression of hope.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation where hvil means "rest" and i fred means "in peace".
Which one should you use?
While hvil i fred is the standard form, you may see it written as Hvil i fred with a capital letter when it is used as a standalone sentiment or as a heading in a memorial context.
Did you know?
- The English word 'friend' and the Norwegian word fred are distant linguistic cousins, both stemming from an ancient concept of peace and social harmony.
- In many modern Norwegian funeral contexts, people may bypass the phrase entirely in favor of saying tenk på de etterlatte, which focuses on the survivors rather than the deceased.
- While hvil i fred is the direct translation, Norwegians often prefer the shorter, more traditional phrase sov i fred, which translates to 'sleep in peace'.
Examples in context
- Kjære [Name], våre dypeste kondolanser. Måtte den avdøde finne hvile i fred. Du er i våre tanker og bønner i denne vanskelige tiden.Dear [Name], our deepest condolences. May the deceased find peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Hvil i fred, kjære venn.Rest in peace, dear friend.
Example conversation
Emma and Andreas are visiting a cemetery.
- EmmaDet er så trist at hun er borte.It is so sad that she is gone.
- AndreasJa, hun hadde et langt liv.Yes, she had a long life.
- EmmaHvil i fred, kjære tante.Rest in peace, dear aunt.
- AndreasHun vil bli husket av oss alle.She will be remembered by all of us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fred, hvil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
