både — meaning in English: both

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for both

gjøre

kald

både

ekspansiv

tilfeldig

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Norwegian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use 'både' in various contexts, particularly when discussing choices or options. For example, you might hear it in a conversation about food preferences: 'Jeg liker både pizza og sushi,' meaning 'I like both pizza and sushi.' It's commonly used in everyday conversations among friends and family, as well as in more structured discussions.

Synonyms & nuances

'Både' can be compared to the word 'og' (and), but while 'og' simply connects items, 'både' insists on the inclusion of two specific items or ideas. You would choose 'både' when you want to emphasize that both elements are equally important or relevant in a given context.

Culture

'Både' is derived from Old Norse, where it meant 'both' or 'two together.' In Norwegian culture, the concept of 'både' extends beyond mere numbers; it reflects a philosophy of inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of combining elements or ideas. For instance, it's often used in discussions about balancing work and life, highlighting the value of pursuing multiple interests.

FAQ

Q.What does the Norwegian word 'både' mean?

'Både' means 'both' in English, and it's used to indicate two items or aspects together when speaking about choices or comparisons.

Q.How do you use 'både' in a sentence?

You can use 'både' by placing it before the elements you're referring to. For example, 'Han liker både å lese og å skrive' translates to 'He likes both reading and writing.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'både'?

A common mistake is to use 'både' with more than two items. Remember, 'både' strictly refers to two items; for three or more, use 'både... og...' with 'og' connecting the additional items.

Learn norwegian with Maspeak →

Norwegian Vocabulary