Significado
Be grateful for small amounts.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is a cornerstone of 'nøysomhet' culture. In Norway, complaining about a small gift or a small raise is seen as very rude. Using this phrase shows you are a 'skikkelig' (proper/decent) person who values effort over quantity. Danes use a similar expression 'Lidt er bedre end ingenting'. While the Norwegian version uses 'more than', the Danish version often uses 'better than', reflecting a slightly more direct focus on quality of life (hygge). In American culture, the equivalent 'Half a loaf is better than none' is common, but there is often a stronger 'go big or go home' sentiment that can make 'lite er mer enn ingenting' feel a bit too passive or unambitious in a business context. The Japanese value of 'Mottainai' (regret over waste) aligns well with this proverb. Every small resource is seen as having a spirit or value, so having 'little' is respected as long as it is used well.
Use it for modesty
If you've done a small favor for someone and they thank you profusely, use this phrase to downplay your effort and show modesty.
Don't sound sarcastic
Be careful with your tone. If said with a sigh, it can sound like you are actually complaining that you didn't get enough.
Significado
Be grateful for small amounts.
Use it for modesty
If you've done a small favor for someone and they thank you profusely, use this phrase to downplay your effort and show modesty.
Don't sound sarcastic
Be careful with your tone. If said with a sigh, it can sound like you are actually complaining that you didn't get enough.
The 'Selv' trick
Add 'Selv' (Even) at the beginning—'Selv lite er mer enn ingenting'—to sound more like a native speaker emphasizing the point.
Teste-se
Fyll inn det manglende ordet i ordtaket.
Lite er ___ enn ingenting.
Vi bruker komparativ form 'mer' fordi vi sammenligner to ting (lite og ingenting).
Hvilken situasjon passer best for dette ordtaket?
Du får 10 kroner i rabatt på en kaffe som koster 50 kroner.
En liten rabatt er bedre enn ingen rabatt i det hele tatt.
Hvilken setning er grammatisk korrekt?
Velg riktig form av ordtaket:
Den faste formen bruker 'lite' som substantiv og 'enn' som sammenligningsord.
Fullfør dialogen med ordtaket.
A: Jeg rakk bare å lese én side i boka i kveld. B: Det går bra, ___.
B oppmuntrer A ved å si at én side er bedre enn null sider.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
The Value Scale
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosLite er ___ enn ingenting.
Vi bruker komparativ form 'mer' fordi vi sammenligner to ting (lite og ingenting).
Du får 10 kroner i rabatt på en kaffe som koster 50 kroner.
En liten rabatt er bedre enn ingen rabatt i det hele tatt.
Velg riktig form av ordtaket:
Den faste formen bruker 'lite' som substantiv og 'enn' som sammenligningsord.
A: Jeg rakk bare å lese én side i boka i kveld. B: Det går bra, ___.
B oppmuntrer A ved å si at én side er bedre enn null sider.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
8 perguntasIn this proverb, 'lite' functions as a substantivized adjective (a noun). It represents the concept of 'a small amount'.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Noe er bedre enn ingenting' is the more natural alternative using 'noe'.
Yes, often to describe small profits, minor contract wins, or incremental progress in negotiations.
Not at all. While it is an old proverb, it is used daily by Norwegians of all ages.
'Litt' is usually an adverb ('Jeg sover litt'), while 'lite' is an adjective or noun ('Jeg har lite penger'). In proverbs, 'lite' is the standard form.
Yes, it's a way to 'cope' with disappointment by looking at the bright side.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Make sure the 'ng' sounds are clear and don't pronounce a hard 'g' at the end.
Frases relacionadas
Noe er bedre enn ingenting
synonymSomething is better than nothing.
Mange bekker små gjør en stor å
builds onMany small streams make a big river.
Bedre sent enn aldri
similarBetter late than never.
Mye vil ha mer
contrastMuch wants more (Greed knows no bounds).
