sjanse

Sjanse is a Norwegian noun meaning "chance" or "opportunity." It refers to a possibility that something could happen, or to a favorable moment to act. The term is common in everyday speech as well as in written language when discussing possibilities, chances in a situation, or opportunities that may arise.

In everyday usage, people say "å få en sjanse" (to get a chance), "å ta en sjanse" or "å ta sjansen" (to take the chance), and "å gripe sjansen" (to seize the opportunity). In sports and business, "en sjanse" describes a scoring opportunity or a potential prospect. The word can carry varying degrees of risk depending on context, especially when paired with verbs like "ta" or "grip."

Related terms include "mulighet" (an equivalent for opportunity) and, in contrasting sense, "risiko" (risk). Common idioms emphasize action, such as "å gripe sjansen" or "å ta sjansen," which reflect a proactive approach to opportunities.

Usage notes: Sjanse is widely understood in contemporary Norwegian and appears in both formal and informal registers. It can appear with definite forms when the context makes the reference specific, for example in phrases like "denne sjansen" or "den sjansen som oppstod." Overall, it functions as a versatile word for talking about chances, opportunities, and the likelihood of events.