Signification
Desiring a specific object or action.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is essential for 'Friluftsliv' (outdoor life). Norwegians don't just 'go' for walks; they 'have lyst' to go for walks, emphasizing that the activity is a source of joy. Using 'ha lyst' is a way to follow 'Janteloven'—by framing your desires as feelings rather than demands, you remain humble and equal to others. On apps like Vipps or Foodora, you'll often see 'Lyst på noe godt?' (Feel like something good?) as a marketing hook. When visiting a Norwegian home, the host will almost always ask 'Har du lyst på kaffe?' rather than 'Vil du ha kaffe?'. It's softer and more welcoming.
The 'På' vs 'Til' Shortcut
If you can touch it, use 'på'. If you have to move to do it, use 'til å'.
The 'Deg' Danger
Be careful with 'Jeg har lyst på deg'. It's very sexual. Use 'Jeg har lyst til å se deg' for a date.
Signification
Desiring a specific object or action.
The 'På' vs 'Til' Shortcut
If you can touch it, use 'på'. If you have to move to do it, use 'til å'.
The 'Deg' Danger
Be careful with 'Jeg har lyst på deg'. It's very sexual. Use 'Jeg har lyst til å se deg' for a date.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition (på or til å).
Jeg har lyst ___ en kopp te.
'En kopp te' is a noun, so we use 'på'.
Fill in the correct preposition (på or til å).
Har du lyst ___ dra på fjellet?
'Dra' is a verb, so we use 'til å'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I don't feel like it'?
The negation 'ikke' comes after the verb 'har'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi spise pizza? B: Nei, jeg har mer lyst ___ sushi.
Sushi is a noun, so 'på' is the correct preposition.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg har lyst ___ en kopp te.
'En kopp te' is a noun, so we use 'på'.
Har du lyst ___ dra på fjellet?
'Dra' is a verb, so we use 'til å'.
How do you say 'I don't feel like it'?
The negation 'ikke' comes after the verb 'har'.
A: Skal vi spise pizza? B: Nei, jeg har mer lyst ___ sushi.
Sushi is a noun, so 'på' is the correct preposition.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if the context is already clear. For example, if someone asks 'Vil du ha kake?', you can answer 'Ja, jeg har lyst!'.
'Ville' is about your will and intent. 'Ha lyst' is about your feeling and desire. 'Jeg vil' is stronger.
Yes, they share the same root, but in Norwegian, it's a neutral word for any desire, not just sexual.
You say 'Jeg har ikke lyst' or 'Jeg har ikke lyst til det'.
Yes! 'Jeg har veldig lyst på denne stillingen' (I really want this position) sounds enthusiastic and positive.
This is a common way to soften the sentence and make it sound more personal and casual.
No. 'Ha lyst' is a state (I want), while 'få lyst' is an event (I suddenly started wanting).
No, that sounds wrong. You must use 'på' for nouns like coffee.
It means 'desirous' or 'hungry for'. For example, 'Han er lysten på seier' (He is hungry for victory).
'Hva har du lyst på?' is the perfect polite way to ask.
Expressions liées
å ville
similarto want / will
å ønske seg
similarto wish for
å friste
builds onto tempt
å ha behov for
contrastto have a need for
