This is the 251st most frequent Norwegian word.
lå
The Norwegian word "lå" means "lay" or "was lying" (past tense of "ligge").
Here, 'lå' is the past tense of the verb 'ligge,' meaning to lie or to be in a horizontal or resting position.
Boken lå på bordet.
The book lay on the table.
In this sentence, 'lå' is also the past tense of 'ligge.' It is used to describe the subject being in an ongoing horizontal position.
Han lå våken hele natten.
He lay awake all night.
In this example, 'lå' is used metaphorically to imply the state of being abandoned or left behind as a result of the event, here indicated by context.