Ways to say it
| Norwegian | IPA |
|---|---|
| tusen takk | |
| mange takk | |
| hjertelig takk | |
| takk så mye | /tak soː ²myːə/ (word by word) |
These phrases are used to express a level of gratitude greater than a simple 'thank you'. You might use tusen takk to say 'thank you very much' or to thank someone for their help, as in tusen takk for hjelpen! If you want to express that you are extremely grateful, you can say jeg er svært takknemlig! In informal settings, you can say takk så mye! to mean 'thanks a lot!' or use the expression tusen takk skal du ha! to mean 'a big thanks to you!'
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tusen takk literally translates to 'a thousand thanks'. The phrase hjertelig takk literally translates to 'heartfelt thanks'.
Which one should you use?
While tusen takk is the most common way to say 'thank you very much', it is slightly more idiomatic and warmer than the more literal takk så mye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hjertelig takk is a more formal and sincere way to express gratitude than tusen takk. In informal situations, you can use takk så mye! or tusen takk skal du ha!
When do people say it?
If you wish to express deep emotion, you can say tusen hjertelig takk! to mean 'thank you very much from the bottom of my heart!'
Did you know?
- The word takk is a close relative of the English word 'think'. Both originate from a root meaning to remember or give thought to someone as a way of showing gratitude.
- In Norway, it is common to use takk not just for gratitude, but as a polite way to decline an offer, similar to saying 'no thank you' in English.
- The word tusen in tusen takk shares the same Proto-Germanic ancestor as the English word 'thousand'.
Examples in context
- Tusen takk!Thank you very much!This demonstrates the use of tusen takk as an exclamation.Tatoeba #12479925 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #1564 by adjusting
- Tusen takk.Thank you very much.This demonstrates the use of tusen takk as a standard sentence.Tatoeba #12593564 by Barend, translation #1839560 by CK
- Mange takk for et veldig detaljert svar.Thank you very much for the very detailed response.This shows how to use mange takk to thank someone for a detailed response.Tatoeba #2963811 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2755181 by verdulo
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nora gives Andreas a birthday present.
- AndreasOi, hva er dette? Tusen takk, Nora!Oh, what is this? Thank you very much, Nora!
- NoraBare hyggelig! Håper du liker den.You're welcome! I hope you like it.
- AndreasDen er perfekt, tusen takk igjen!It is perfect, thank you very much again!
- NoraDet var ingenting.It was nothing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you very much” translations and entries tusen takk, mange takk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (takk, så, mye) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries så, takk, tusen, tusen takk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
