smart
The Norwegian word for smart is smart.
smart is used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books. In Norwegian, it is also frequently used to mean 'clever' or 'resourceful' in a practical sense, similar to how it is used in English.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Which one should you use?
While smart refers to academic intelligence or quick-wittedness, you should use klok to describe someone who possesses deep wisdom or significant life experience.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective smart is the base form and remains indeclined when used with an indefinite noun. When modifying a plural noun or a noun in the definite form, use the form smarte (for example, de smarte barna). The superlative form, meaning 'smartest', is smarteste.
Did you know?
- Although it looks identical to the English word, the Norwegian smart is a relatively recent loanword and was not part of the original Germanic vocabulary.
- In certain contexts, calling a person smart can be a backhanded compliment. It can imply they are being 'too clever for their own good' or are acting with a cynical edge.
- While smart is used for intelligence, the word luring is often preferred when you want to describe someone who is 'smart' in a cheeky, mischievous, or even slightly deceptive way.
Examples in context
- Du er ganske smart.You're pretty smart.This sentence shows how to use smart to say someone is pretty smart.Tatoeba #12487567 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #2218333 by CK
- Du er en smart gutt.You're a smart boy.This sentence demonstrates using smart to describe a smart boy.Tatoeba #3547409 by danieljtah, translation #3331097 by CK
- Han er veldig smart.He's very smart.This sentence shows how to use smart to say someone is very smart.Tatoeba #10941113 by Mayk, translation #2342356 by Hybrid
- Han er en veldig intelligent student.He is a very intelligent student.
- Hun er klok og tar alltid gode beslutninger.She is smart and always makes good decisions.
- Han er en smart fyr.He is a smart guy.
- Hun er virkelig skarp, hun løser problemer raskt.She is really sharp, she solves problems quickly.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a classmate's recent exam performance.
- AndreasEr hun smart?Is she smart?
- IngridJa, hun er utrolig smart.Yes, she is incredibly smart.
- AndreasDet forklarer de høye karakterene.That explains the high grades.
- IngridHun er en smart jente.She is a smart girl.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries smart, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries smart, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
