Signification
Much work remains to be done.
Contexte culturel
In Norway, the phrase is often used by public figures to show humility. Even if a goal is close, saying 'we have a long way to go' prevents appearing boastful, which aligns with the cultural norm of Janteloven. In Norwegian workplaces, this phrase is a 'soft' way to give negative feedback. If a manager says your draft has 'en lang vei å gå,' it means it needs a total rewrite, but they are saying it politely. Norwegian sports commentators use this constantly for young talents. It serves as a reminder that potential is not the same as results. The phrase is the backbone of Norwegian social debate. It is used to keep pressure on institutions regarding equality, diversity, and environmental issues.
Use 'fortsatt' for impact
Adding 'fortsatt' (still) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Vi har fortsatt en lang vei å gå.'
Don't use 'gate'
Never say 'lang gate å gå'. A 'gate' is a street with buildings. A 'vei' is a general way or road.
Signification
Much work remains to be done.
Use 'fortsatt' for impact
Adding 'fortsatt' (still) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Vi har fortsatt en lang vei å gå.'
Don't use 'gate'
Never say 'lang gate å gå'. A 'gate' is a street with buildings. A 'vei' is a general way or road.
The 'Humble' Factor
Use this phrase when you receive a compliment on a skill you are still learning. It shows great Norwegian manners.
Teste-toi
Fyll inn de manglende ordene i uttrykket.
Vi er ikke ferdige med oppgaven ennå; vi har en ___ ___ å ___.
The full idiom is 'en lang vei å gå'.
Hvilken situasjon passer best for dette uttrykket?
Når ville du sagt 'Vi har en lang vei å gå'?
The phrase is used when a significant amount of work remains.
Fullfør dialogen på en naturlig måte.
Sjef: 'Er rapporten klar til møtet i morgen?' Ansatt: 'Nei, dessverre. Jeg har...'
This is a professional way to indicate that the work is not yet complete.
Match uttrykket med riktig betydning.
Koble sammen:
These are all 'road' related metaphors in Norwegian.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi er ikke ferdige med oppgaven ennå; vi har en ___ ___ å ___.
The full idiom is 'en lang vei å gå'.
Når ville du sagt 'Vi har en lang vei å gå'?
The phrase is used when a significant amount of work remains.
Sjef: 'Er rapporten klar til møtet i morgen?' Ansatt: 'Nei, dessverre. Jeg har...'
This is a professional way to indicate that the work is not yet complete.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all 'road' related metaphors in Norwegian.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's much less common as an idiom. It usually just means the physical distance is short.
Both are correct. 'Vei' is standard Bokmål, while 'veg' is Nynorsk and common in many dialects.
Yes, but be careful. Saying 'Han har en lang vei å gå' about someone's personality is quite a strong criticism.
Not necessarily. It can just be a realistic assessment of a big, exciting goal.
There isn't one perfect opposite, but 'å være nesten i mål' (to be almost at the finish line) is close.
Yes, absolutely. It is an infinitive marker and the phrase is grammatically incorrect without it.
Yes: 'Vi hadde en lang vei å gå, men vi klarte det til slutt.'
Yes, as 'å ha ein lang veg å gå'.
Only literally. If you mean progress, you must use 'gå' (walk).
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to describe the state of research.
Expressions liées
å være på rett vei
similarTo be on the right track.
å se lyset i enden av tunnelen
contrastTo see the light at the end of the tunnel.
veien blir til mens man går
builds onThe path is made as you walk.
langt om lenge
relatedAt long last / finally.
