Basic Verbs

18 phrases · Norwegian with romanization, English and audio

  1. å gå

    To go

    Usage

    The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

    Grammar Note

    The infinitive marker is "å"; "gå" is on foot, by vehicle it is "å kjøre"

  2. å komme

    To come

    Usage

    Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

    Grammar Note

    Present tense "kommer"; Norwegian verbs do not change by person

  3. å spise

    To eat

    Usage

    The basic verb for anything about meals

    Grammar Note

    Present tense "spiser"

  4. å drikke

    To drink

    Usage

    For ordering or declining drinks

    Grammar Note

    Present tense "drikker"

  5. å kjøpe

    To buy

    Usage

    Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

    Grammar Note

    Present tense "kjøper"

  6. å se

    To see

    Usage

    For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

    Grammar Note

    "Se" is perceiving; "titte" is looking deliberately

  7. å vente

    To wait

    Usage

    For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

    Grammar Note

    "To wait for" is "å vente på"

  8. Jeg vil dit

    I want to go

    Usage

    The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

    Grammar Note

    Name a destination with "til": "Jeg vil til Bergen"

  9. Jeg vil spise

    I want to eat

    Usage

    State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

  10. Jeg vil ha dette

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "vil ha" is how you say "want"

  11. Jeg trenger det ikke

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

  12. Jeg leter etter

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Jeg leter etter stasjonen"

  13. Jeg har det

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

  14. Jeg har det ikke

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

  15. Jeg vil ta ut penger

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "en minibank"

  16. Jeg vil bestille

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

  17. Kan du hjelpe meg?

    Please help me

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    Norwegian uses "du" freely; politeness comes from tone

  18. Kan du si meg det?

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

More Norwegian phrases

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