like måte
The English phrase "you too" is translated into Norwegian as like måte.
Like måte is a polite response used to return a greeting or a good wish to someone. For example, if someone says ha en fin dag (have a nice day), you can respond with like måte to mean "you too".
Which one should you use?
While det samme translates to "the same", it is typically used when referring to objects or situations. When you want to idiomatically return a sentiment or a wish to another person, use like måte instead.
Did you know?
- If you say like måte to someone who has just complimented you, it can sound as though you are insisting that they also possess the quality they just praised.
- The word måte shares a common ancestor with the English word 'measure', reflecting a shared history of quantifying or defining a way of doing things.
- The word like in this phrase functions as an adverb meaning 'equally' or 'similarly', rather than acting like the English verb 'to like'.
Examples in context
- Ha en fin dagHave a nice day
- Gratulerer med dagenHappy birthday
- Kos deg på festenEnjoy the party
- Tusen takk, i like måte!Thank you so much, you too!
Example conversation
Ingrid and Magnus are leaving a coffee shop.
- IngridHa en fin helg, Magnus!Have a nice weekend, Magnus!
- MagnusTakk, i like måte, Ingrid!Thanks, you too, Ingrid!
- IngridVi snakkes på mandag.We will talk on Monday.
- MagnusJa, ha det fint!Yes, have a good one!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries like, måte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
