Meaning
Stating a desire to explore
Cultural Background
Travel is considered a 'right' in Norway, supported by high salaries and 5 weeks of vacation. The phrase 'Jeg vil reise mye' often implies going to 'Syden' (Southern Europe) to escape the winter. The concept of 'Flyskam' (flight shame) has made some people hesitant to say they want to travel 'mye' by plane, leading to a rise in 'Togferie' (train holidays). Taking a 'friår' (gap year) to travel the world is a rite of passage for many Norwegian 19-year-olds. Norwegian employers generally view travel experience positively as it suggests independence and cultural adaptability.
The 'Å' Rule
Never put 'å' after 'vil'. It's the most common mistake for beginners. 'Vil' is a modal verb and takes the bare infinitive.
Small Talk Gold
This is a perfect phrase for small talk. Norwegians love talking about their travel plans and 'Syden' trips.
Meaning
Stating a desire to explore
The 'Å' Rule
Never put 'å' after 'vil'. It's the most common mistake for beginners. 'Vil' is a modal verb and takes the bare infinitive.
Small Talk Gold
This is a perfect phrase for small talk. Norwegians love talking about their travel plans and 'Syden' trips.
Vil vs. Will
Remember that 'vil' means 'want', not just future tense. If you say 'Jeg vil reise', you are talking about your desire.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
I want to travel a lot.
Modal verbs like 'vil' are followed by the infinitive without 'å'.
Fill in the missing modal verb to express desire.
Jeg ___ reise mye i fremtiden.
'Vil' expresses the desire or wish to do something.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hva er drømmen din? B: ___
This is the most natural way to answer a question about dreams or goals.
Match the Norwegian phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
Each modal verb changes the meaning of the sentence significantly.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Vil vs. Skal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI want to travel a lot.
Modal verbs like 'vil' are followed by the infinitive without 'å'.
Jeg ___ reise mye i fremtiden.
'Vil' expresses the desire or wish to do something.
A: Hva er drømmen din? B: ___
This is the most natural way to answer a question about dreams or goals.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each modal verb changes the meaning of the sentence significantly.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'mange' is for countable things like 'mange land' (many countries). Use 'mye' to describe the action of traveling a lot.
'Vil' is more common and direct. 'Ønsker' is more formal and sounds like 'I wish' or 'I desire'.
No, because it follows the modal verb 'vil', it stays in the infinitive form 'reise'.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral. However, if you are talking about work travel, 'Jeg er villig til å reise mye' (I am willing to travel a lot) might be better.
Simply add 'ikke' after 'vil': 'Jeg vil ikke reise mye.'
This is a historical remnant. The 'g' became silent over time in most Norwegian dialects.
Usually, 'reise' implies going to other cities or countries. For hiking, use 'Jeg vil gå mye på tur.'
Usually, yes. 'Jeg vil reise mye i år' or 'Jeg vil reise mye til Asia.'
Use 'mer' instead of 'mye': 'Jeg vil reise mer.'
In Nynorsk, it would be 'Eg vil reise mye' or 'Eg vil reisa mykje'. Very similar!
Related Phrases
å dra på tur
similarto go on a trip/hike
å oppleve verden
builds onto experience the world
reiselyst
relatedwanderlust / desire to travel
å reise jorda rundt
specialized formto travel around the world
