Basic Words

1. Ja

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Nei

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Vinarliga

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Literally "kindly"; placed before or after a request to soften it

4. Takk fyri

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   The standard thanks; plain "Takk" also works

5. Orsaka

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Used to get someone's attention; "Orsakið" when addressing more than one

6. Tað tykir mær leitt

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Literally "that seems sad to me"; a full apology

7. Tað er í lagi

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Eg skilji ikki

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Eg skilji

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Eg eri liðugur

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    A female speaker says "Eg eri liðug" — the adjective agrees with the speaker

11. Bíða vinarliga

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

12. Eitt bil

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Ein vaksin, takk

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Eg havi onga pantan

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    "Pantan" is feminine, so the negative determiner takes the feminine form "onga"

15. Eg havi eina pantan

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Hjálp mær, takk

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Hjálp!"

17. Einaferð aftur, takk

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Tala spakuliga, takk

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Eg tosi eitt sindur føroyskt

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    "Eitt sindur" means "a little"; say it at the start of a conversation

20. Tosar tú enskt?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; in Faroese you can ask even a stranger with the plain "tú"

    Grammar Note

    Faroese uses "tú" even with strangers

21. hetta

    This

    Usage

    For pointing at something in your hand

22. hatta

    That

    Usage

    For pointing at something near the other person

23. her

    Here

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

24. har

    There

    Usage

    For pointing at a map or a spot

25. eg

    I

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

26. tú

    You

    Usage

    For making clear who you mean

27. saman

    Together

    Usage

    Shows that you are with someone

28. meira

    More

    Usage

    For asking for a larger amount

29. eitt sindur

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount

30. helvt

    Half

    Usage

    For asking for half the amount

31. alt

    All

    Usage

    For saying you want the whole lot

32. Tað er nóg mikið.

    That's enough

    Usage

    For stopping a refill or an offer

33. ein persónur

    One person

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

34. tveir persónar

    Two people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

35. tríggir persónar

    Three people

    Usage

    Gives the head count for a table, room, or ticket

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