Significado
Asking for definition.
Contexto cultural
Norwegians value 'klarspråk' (plain language). Asking for a definition is seen as a positive step toward clear communication. In Northern Norway, where Sami culture is strong, you might find bilingual signs. Asking 'Hva betyr dette?' is a great way to learn about the indigenous language. In Norwegian offices, it's common to ask for clarification during meetings. It's not seen as a lack of knowledge, but as being thorough. Norway is highly digitized. You'll see this phrase often in help sections of apps like Vipps or Altinn.
The 'Y' Factor
The 'y' in 'betyr' is the hardest part. Round your lips like you're saying 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
No 'Do'!
Never say 'Hva gjør dette betyr?'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake.
Significado
Asking for definition.
The 'Y' Factor
The 'y' in 'betyr' is the hardest part. Round your lips like you're saying 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
No 'Do'!
Never say 'Hva gjør dette betyr?'. It's a classic English-speaker mistake.
Add 'Unnskyld'
Starting with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) makes the question much more polite to strangers.
Body Language
Pointing at a word while saying this is very common and helpful in Norway.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb.
Hva ____ dette?
'Betyr' is the verb for 'means'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you ask what a word means?
Norwegian doesn't use 'gjør' in questions and follows the V2 rule.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Se på det skiltet. B: Jeg forstår ikke. ________?
B is asking for the meaning of the sign.
Match the Norwegian to the English.
Match the following:
Correct matches for basic 'Hva' questions.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHva ____ dette?
'Betyr' is the verb for 'means'.
How do you ask what a word means?
Norwegian doesn't use 'gjør' in questions and follows the V2 rule.
A: Se på det skiltet. B: Jeg forstår ikke. ________?
B is asking for the meaning of the sign.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Correct matches for basic 'Hva' questions.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, you need a subject like 'det' or 'dette'. Say 'Hva betyr det?' instead.
Not at all! It's a standard, neutral way to ask for information.
'Dette' is 'this' (close to you), 'det' is 'that/it' (further away or general).
You can say 'Det betyr...' followed by the explanation.
Yes! You can point to a paragraph and ask 'Hva betyr dette?'.
In very informal settings, you might just say 'Betyr?' while pointing, but it's not recommended for learners.
It's a historical remnant from Old Norse. In modern Norwegian, 'hv' is always pronounced as 'v'.
Yes, if you don't understand a term the interviewer used, it's better to ask than to guess.
Yes, it's the direct equivalent of 'signify' or 'mean'.
Say 'Hva betyr det for meg?'.
Frases relacionadas
Hva betyr det?
similarWhat does that mean?
Hva vil det si?
synonymWhat does that want to say?
Hva mener du?
contrastWhat do you mean?
Definer dette.
specialized formDefine this.
Hva kalles dette?
builds onWhat is this called?
