Meaning
Encouraging someone to continue.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the concept of 'dugnad'. Even if a task is boring or hard, you don't give up because the community is counting on you. In American culture, 'Don't give up' is often associated with the 'American Dream' and individual success. In Norway, it's more about collective persistence. The concept of 'Ganbaru' (doing one's best) is similar. 'Ikke gi opp' is the Norwegian way of asking someone to 'ganbare'. This phrase is universal in sports. In Norway, you'll hear it at every 'skirenn' (ski race) across the country.
Use it sparingly
While encouraging, saying it too much can sound repetitive. Mix it with 'Stå på!'
Watch the 'g'
Never pronounce the 'g' in 'gi' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat'). It will sound very foreign.
Meaning
Encouraging someone to continue.
Use it sparingly
While encouraging, saying it too much can sound repetitive. Mix it with 'Stå på!'
Watch the 'g'
Never pronounce the 'g' in 'gi' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat'). It will sound very foreign.
Add 'da vel'
Saying 'Ikke gi opp da vel!' makes it sound more encouraging and less like a strict command.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the motivational phrase.
Du er nesten ferdig! Ikke gi ___!
'Opp' is the correct particle for the phrasal verb meaning 'to give up'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'Don't give up' in modern Norwegian?
Velg riktig setning:
'Ikke gi opp!' follows the standard modern imperative word order.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Når sier du 'Ikke gi opp'?
The phrase is used for encouragement during a struggle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg klarer ikke å lære meg å sykle. B: _________! Prøv en gang til.
'Ikke gi opp' fits the context of encouraging someone who is failing at a task.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say it
Sports
- • Maraton
- • Fotball
- • Ski
School
- • Eksamen
- • Lekser
- • Norskkurs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDu er nesten ferdig! Ikke gi ___!
'Opp' is the correct particle for the phrasal verb meaning 'to give up'.
Velg riktig setning:
'Ikke gi opp!' follows the standard modern imperative word order.
Når sier du 'Ikke gi opp'?
The phrase is used for encouragement during a struggle.
A: Jeg klarer ikke å lære meg å sykle. B: _________! Prøv en gang til.
'Ikke gi opp' fits the context of encouraging someone who is failing at a task.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it is neutral. You can use it with anyone, but it's most common among friends and family.
Yes, 'Aldri gi opp' means 'Never give up' and is very common for long-term goals.
'Gi opp' is often about a task, while 'gi seg' is often about an argument or physical state.
You say 'Jeg ga opp'. Remember that 'gi' is irregular.
It depends on the relationship. If your boss is struggling, it's better to say 'Vi skal klare dette' (We will manage this).
Yes, 'Ikke gi opp forholdet' means 'Don't give up on the relationship'.
No, you don't 'gi opp' an object unless you are surrendering it in a game or war.
It sounds like the 'o' in 'off' but shorter.
Yes, 'Ikke drit i det' is a very vulgar way to say 'don't quit'.
Absolutely. It's a very common text to send to a friend who is stressed.
The opposite is 'å gi opp' (to give up).
Yes, many Norwegian pop and rap songs use this phrase as a theme of resilience.
It's better to say 'Ikke gi meg opp'.
It is perhaps the most common phrase heard at Norwegian sporting events.
Related Phrases
Stå på
similarKeep it up / Keep going
Gi seg
synonymTo give in / To quit
Hold ut
similarEndure / Hang in there
Gi etter
contrastTo yield / To give in
Fullføre
builds onTo complete
