"Jeg vil heller ha vann enn vin."

Translation: I would rather have water than wine.

[starfy420]

... But thanks anyway, Jesus.

[Dadakind]

Could a fluent Norwegian speaker clarify a question of nuance about this sentence? Both "I would rather have water than wine" (although "I would rather have water than have wine" sounds better to my native ear, and would be more appropriate in written English) and "I want water rather than wine" are both legitimate translations.

However, the first is more polite and more indicates a preference whereas the second is more blunt, more uncompromising, and could convey a demand (or need) rather than a polite request or preference. Does this Norwegian sentence more reflect one of these nuances than the other? Or does it cover both, with nuance being imparted by vocal tone or physical demeanor?

[NerissaKis]

"I would rather have water than wine" sounds fine to this native speaker, and I'm fussy!

[CJ.Dennis]

From what I remember from other sentences, "vil ha" is plain "want", so "vil heller ha" is more polite.

[MatthewGunia]

Incubus. The pop culture references continue.

[KirkEasterson]

"I would rather water than wine" is not accepted. I think that sentence is acceptable, ikke sant?

[NerissaKis]

No!

[Mathias605668]

No. That sentence doesn't work in English

[morgenlys]

why "I would rather to have water than wine" not accepted? English is not my native language by the way...

[fveldig]

When you're using modal verbs such as 'would', there is no need for the infinitive marker 'to'.

[Miqwerti]

I would rather have wine than water

[MRusna]

I've written the same :)

[fouad899633]

So (vil heller)means (would rather),doesn't it?

[predaTHOR]

Great joke!

[Ctougas01]

Omg I prefer wine!!

[amyhasnolife]

How would one say "I would also like to have..."