takk
[ˈtʰahk]informal
The English phrase "thanks" is translated into Icelandic as takk. Wiktionary also lists takk fyrir and þakka þér.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Icelandic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| takk | [ˈtʰahk] (narrow) | informal |
| takk fyrir | [ˈtʰahk fɪrɪr] (word by word, narrow) | formal |
| þakka þér |
The terms are used to express appreciation or gratitude. While takk is a simple way to say thanks, takk fyrir is the most common way to say "thank you" in Icelandic. For even deeper or more formal appreciation, you can use the phrase Ég er þér þakklát(ur), which means "I am thankful to you".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the level of formality and the number of people being addressed. When you want to thank a group of people rather than a single person, use takk fyrir ykkur.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
takk is an informal way to say thanks. takk fyrir is considered a formal way to say "thank you".
Related words
Did you know?
- The word takk is actually a loanword from Danish tak, rather than being a direct descendant of the original Old Norse word for gratitude.
- Icelanders use takk as a polite way to signal the end of a social interaction or a transaction, similar to how some English speakers use 'bye'.
- If you were to use the noun version of gratitude, þökk, you would be using a word that is a direct descendant of the original Old Norse, unlike the borrowed takk.
Examples in context
- Takk aftur fyrir blómin.Thanks again for the flowers.This sentence uses takk to express thanks for flowers.Tatoeba #12300569 by nipbud, translation #12300572 by nipbud
- Ég hef það fínt, þakka þér fyrir.I'm fine, thanks for asking.This sentence uses þakka þér to express thanks for someone asking how you are.Tatoeba #3838998 by arnarsmata, translation #2747265 by sundown
- Takk, það er allt.Thanks, that is all.This sentence uses takk to express thanks when finishing an interaction.Tatoeba #665907 by Swift, translation #5707220 by halfdan
- Takk fyrir!Thank you!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Guðrún hands Jón a cup of coffee.
- GuðrúnHér er kaffið þitt, Jón.Here is your coffee, Jón.
- JónTakk, Guðrún!Thanks, Guðrún!
- GuðrúnErtu með svolit af mjólk?Do you have some milk?
- JónJá, takk fyrir að spyrja.Yes, thanks for asking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thanks” 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) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fyrir, takk, takk fyrir, þakka, þér, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
