Signification
Be positive and kind
Contexte culturel
In Norway, this phrase is often associated with 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life). Being in nature is seen as the perfect time to 'smil til verden.' There is a shared value of 'trivsel' (well-being) across Scandinavia, and this phrase is a tool to promote it in public spaces. The hashtag #smiltilverden is used by thousands of Norwegians to share positive moments, creating a digital community of optimism. Norwegian work culture is relatively flat and informal. Using this phrase can help build rapport between different levels of staff.
Use it as a caption
If you're learning Norwegian, use this as your next Instagram caption. It's a great way to practice!
Watch the preposition
Always use 'til'. Using 'på' is a very common mistake for English speakers.
Signification
Be positive and kind
Use it as a caption
If you're learning Norwegian, use this as your next Instagram caption. It's a great way to practice!
Watch the preposition
Always use 'til'. Using 'på' is a very common mistake for English speakers.
The full version
Memorizing the full version 'Smil til verden, og verden smiler til deg' helps you practice the present tense 'smiler' as well.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Smil ___ verden, og verden smiler til deg.
The correct preposition is 'til' (to).
Which sentence is the most natural way to encourage a friend?
Vennen din er trist. Hva sier du?
The imperative 'Smil til verden!' is the standard way to give this advice.
Match the Norwegian words with their English meanings.
Match the pairs:
These are the core components of the phrase and its meaning.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg gruer meg til i morgen. B: Det går bra! Bare ____ ___ ______.
The imperative form is needed for giving advice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSmil ___ verden, og verden smiler til deg.
The correct preposition is 'til' (to).
Vennen din er trist. Hva sier du?
The imperative 'Smil til verden!' is the standard way to give this advice.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the phrase and its meaning.
A: Jeg gruer meg til i morgen. B: Det går bra! Bare ____ ___ ______.
The imperative form is needed for giving advice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be a bit cliché, but in Norway, it's generally seen as sweet and well-meaning rather than annoying.
Only if you have a very friendly relationship with the person. Otherwise, stick to more formal greetings.
'Smil til' is the standard idiom. 'Smil på' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
It can be both (en/ei verden), but masculine (en verden) is more common.
In this specific idiom, the form 'verden' is used as the definite form by convention.
Yes, that means 'Smile to everyone,' which is similar but less idiomatic.
Yes, it would be 'Smil til verda' in Nynorsk.
Grammatically it's a command (imperative), but socially it's a friendly suggestion.
Be careful. It might seem like you are minimizing their feelings. Use with caution.
Yes, several! It's a very popular theme for uplifting songs in Norway.
Expressions liées
Se lyst på livet
synonymLook brightly at life
Vær positiv
similarBe positive
Spre glede
builds onSpread joy
Heng med leppa
contrastHang with the lip (to pout/be sad)
