takk
[ˈtʰahk]
The English phrase "thank you" is translated into Icelandic as takk. Wiktionary also lists takk fyrir and þökk fyrir.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Icelandic | IPA |
|---|---|
| takk | [ˈtʰahk] (narrow) |
| takk fyrir | [ˈtʰahk fɪrɪr] (word by word, narrow) |
| þökk fyrir | [ˈθœhk fɪrɪr] (word by word, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase takk fyrir, the word fyrir means "for".
Which one should you use?
takk is a shorter, more clipped version often used in quick exchanges, while takk fyrir is the standard way to say "thank you". The form þökk fyrir is slightly more formal or emphatic than takk fyrir.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "thank you for [something]", use takk fyrir followed by the noun or phrase, such as takk fyrir hjálpina (thank you for the help).
When do people say it?
When someone says takk fyrir, a common polite response is verði þér að góðu, which literally means "may it be good to you". Another common way to say "you're welcome" or "no problem" is ekkert að þakka.
Did you know?
- The word takk is actually a loanword from Danish. While the native Icelandic word is þökk, the Danish version became so common that it is now the primary way to say 'thanks'.
- Icelanders often use takk as a polite way to signal the end of a transaction or a conversation. It acts more as a social punctuation mark than an expression of deep gratitude.
- The word fyrir in takk fyrir means 'for', but it also means 'before' in other contexts. This reveals a linguistic link between the idea of being 'in front of' something and doing something 'for' someone.
Examples in context
- Takk fyrir, ég skil allt saman.Thank you, I understand everything.This example shows how to use takk.Tatoeba #3997551 by Bergthor, translation #3527276 by adamtrousers
- Takk fyrir að hafa komið.Thank you for coming.This sentence demonstrates using takk.Tatoeba #1355183 by Swift, translation #64536 by CK
- Nei takk. Ég er bara að skoða.No, thank you. I am just looking.This sentence illustrates how to use takk.Tatoeba #542147 by Swift, translation #65829 by Swift
- Takk fyrir!Thank you!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gunnar hands Kristín a glass of water.
- KristínTakk, Gunnar!Thanks, Gunnar!
- GunnarSamaðlega, Kristín.You're welcome, Kristín.
- KristínEr þetta ískalt vatn?Is this ice-cold water?
- GunnarJá, það er mjög kalt.Yes, it is very cold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries takk, takk fyrir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (takk, fyrir, þökk) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fyrir, takk, takk fyrir, þökk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
