Why in Norway when you are saying goodbye to someone they always say “hei”? Especially when you talk on the phone, I always hear people talking in Norwegian and at the end of the conversation, they say “hei, hei”. I don’t get it! And yesterday, when a guy was leaving the office (a Norwegian guy) and he was walking out the door, I said “Goodbye” and he said “Hello”. I don’t understand! Does anyone know? I would love to know!
Hello? Goodbye?
November 7th, 2007 · 5 Comments
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Tags: Everyday In Oslo · Norway
5 responses so far ↓
1 StarChild // Nov 7, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Haha! Same in Sweden, “hej” and “hej, hej.” “Goodbye” in Swedish is really “Hej då,” or, more formally, “Adjö.”
I guess the “hej” for hello and goodbye is because it’s not really directly translated as “hello.” It’s just an informal greeting which can be used both ways. I believe in Italian “ciao” is used the same way. You can say it both when you meet someone and when you part.
But about the guy who said “Hello” to you… that was just a translation mistake on his part! He probably doesn’t understand that “Hello” is only used when meeting, and thought it had the same use as “hej” (or “hei” as in your case!).
2 Little Miss Moi // Nov 8, 2007 at 5:54 pm
It’s similar in Russian with please and thank you. Please is ‘pazhalusta’, thank you is ’spasibo’ and you’re welcome is also ‘pazhalusta’. Some Ukrainians who speak russian and also a bit of English, will translate the you’re welcome ‘pazhalusta’ as please… So if you will imagine the conversation:
Waitress: Here is your coffee.
Me: Thank you.
Waitress: Please.
It’s cute.
3 StarChild // Nov 8, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Haha! That’s funny Little Miss Moi! Actually, it’s the same in Swedish also, perhaps Norwegian as well? In Swedish you say “Tack” for Thank You and Please. “En stor stark, tack” - “One beer, please.” Or.. “Tack för presenten!” - “Thanks for the gift!”
4 a roam to Rome // Nov 9, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I liked this post… it’s cute! The little intricacies of languages captivate me :)
5 asha // Apr 25, 2008 at 5:28 am
what about snalla… isnt that please…. in swedish
in english you can say… can i have a drink thanks
or can i have a drink please, a little bit the same… but not quite
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