Signification
Using a low voice
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value 'ro og fred' (peace and quiet). Speaking loudly in public is often frowned upon as it invades others' personal space. Compared to Norway, American public volume is often perceived as much higher. An American 'indoor voice' might still be considered 'høyt' in Norway. Japan shares the Norwegian value of public quietness, but the reason is more about 'wa' (harmony) and not bothering the group. In many Mediterranean cultures, speaking loudly is a sign of passion and engagement, and 'snakke lavt' might be reserved only for very serious secrets.
The Adverb -t
Always remember the -t at the end of 'lavt'. Without it, you are describing a 'low' object, not a 'low' sound.
Indoor Voice
If a Norwegian tells you to use 'innestemme', it's a polite but firm way to say you are being too loud.
Signification
Using a low voice
The Adverb -t
Always remember the -t at the end of 'lavt'. Without it, you are describing a 'low' object, not a 'low' sound.
Indoor Voice
If a Norwegian tells you to use 'innestemme', it's a polite but firm way to say you are being too loud.
Don't say 'lav'
Saying 'Jeg snakker lav' sounds like you are saying 'I am a short person speaking'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'lavt'.
Vi må snakke ___ på biblioteket.
We use 'lavt' because it is an adverb describing how we speak.
Which sentence is correct?
You want someone to speak quieter.
'Lavere' is the comparative form of 'lavt'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A baby is sleeping.
You should speak quietly so you don't wake the baby.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvorfor hvisker du? B: Jeg ___ fordi læreren ser på oss.
Whispering is a form of speaking quietly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to speak quietly
Places
- • Bibliotek
- • Kino
- • Kirke
People
- • Sovende baby
- • Sjefen
- • Pasienter
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVi må snakke ___ på biblioteket.
We use 'lavt' because it is an adverb describing how we speak.
You want someone to speak quieter.
'Lavere' is the comparative form of 'lavt'.
A baby is sleeping.
You should speak quietly so you don't wake the baby.
A: Hvorfor hvisker du? B: Jeg ___ fordi læreren ser på oss.
Whispering is a form of speaking quietly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is very common and understood, but 'snakke lavt' specifically refers to the volume level.
No, it is a neutral description. However, telling someone 'Snakk lavt!' can be a bit direct; 'Kan du snakke litt lavere?' is more polite.
The opposite is 'å snakke høyt' (to speak loudly).
The word for whisper is 'å hviske'.
Expressions liées
å hviske
similarto whisper
å snakke høyt
contrastto speak loudly
å holde kjeft
specialized formto shut up
å bruke innestemme
similarto use an indoor voice
å mumle
similarto mumble
