svalur
[ˈsvaːlʏr]
The Icelandic word for cool (referring to temperature) is svalur.
The adjective svalur describes something that has a slightly low temperature.
Meaning: having a slightly low temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
While svalur means cool (refreshingly low temperature), kalt is used for cold (uncomfortably low temperature).
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter singular form of the adjective is svalt, the masculine plural form is svalir and the feminine plural form is svalar.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'cool' to mean 'excellent' or 'fashionable', using svalur in this way in Iceland would sound strange and would likely be interpreted literally as a temperature description.
- In Icelandic poetry and sagas, words related to svalur are sometimes used metaphorically to describe a calm or composed temperament, similar to 'keeping a cool head'.
- The word svalur is a direct descendant of the Old Norse word svalr, which has remained remarkably stable in meaning for over a thousand years.
Examples in context
- Ég er svalur.I'm cool.This sentence shows how to use svalur to describe oneself.Tatoeba #10960625 by nipbud, translation #2202692 by CK
- Djöfulli er hún svöl!Fuck, she's cool!This sentence uses an emphatic expression alongside svöl to show excitement.
- Bíllinn hans er virkilega svalur.His car is really cool.This sentence demonstrates using the adjective to describe a masculine noun like a car.Tatoeba #466907 by Swift, translation #465114 by CK
Example conversation
Jón and Kristín are sitting outside on a terrace.
- JónErn svalur vindur að blása núna.A cool wind is blowing now.
- KristínJá, ég þarf gámuna mína.Yes, I need my jacket.
- JónViltu svalan drykk?Do you want a cool drink?
- KristínJá, það værit fantastic.Yes, that would be fantastic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cool” translations and entries svalur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries svalur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
