søtnos
The English word sweetheart can be translated into Norwegian as søtnos. Wiktionary also lists søting.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian |
|---|
| søtnos |
| søting |
Søtnos is used to refer to a person who is very much liked or loved by someone. It is often used affectionately toward children or in a cute, slightly patronizing way between romantic partners.
Which one should you use?
While søtnos is a common term for sweetheart, søting is another available form. Additionally, if you are referring specifically to a boyfriend or girlfriend, the word kjæreste is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term skatt, which translates to 'treasure' or 'darling', is a very common informal alternative to søtnos when addressing a child or a romantic partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of søtnos is søtnoser.
Did you know?
- The Norwegian word skatt is used for 'sweetheart', but it also literally means 'tax' or 'treasure'.
- While søtnos translates to 'sweet nose', it is used to mean 'sweetheart' or 'cutie'.
- Unlike English, where 'sweetheart' can be used by strangers (like a waitress in the Southern US), using søtnos with a stranger in Norway can come across as overly intimate or condescending.
Examples in context
- Du er min kjæreste.You are my sweetheart.
- Jeg er så glad i deg, kjæreste.I love you so much, sweetheart.
- Min elskede, jeg kan ikke leve uten deg.My beloved, I cannot live without you.
- Tusen takk for denne fantastiske kvelden, min elskede.Thank you so much for this wonderful evening, my beloved.
- Hei kjære, hvordan har dagen din vært?Hey sweetheart, how was your day?
- Kos deg på jobb, kjære!Enjoy work, darling!
- God morgen, skatt! Sov du godt?Good morning, sweetheart! Did you sleep well?
- Takk for alt du gjør for meg, skatt.Thank you for everything you do for me, darling.
- Du er en liten søtnos.You are a little sweetheart.
- Se på den lille søtnos!Look at that little sweetheart!
- Barnet er en skikkelig søtnos.The child is a real sweetheart.
Example conversation
Andreas and Ingrid are watching a cute puppy in the park.
- AndreasSe på den lille hunden, Ingrid.Look at that little dog, Ingrid.
- IngridÅ, for en liten søtnos!Oh, what a little sweetheart!
- AndreasHan er virkelig søt.He is really sweet.
- IngridJa, jeg vil ha ham.Yes, I want him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
