Greetings! If you’re planning a trip to Iceland or simply want to expand your linguistic horizons, learning how to express the concept of “how much” in Icelandic will be incredibly helpful. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways to ask about the price or quantity of something. So, let’s dive in and discover the Icelandic expressions you need!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
Hversu mikið kostar þetta?
“Hversu mikið kostar þetta?” is the formal way to ask “How much does this cost?” The word “hversu” means “how” in English, while “mikið” translates to “much.” “Kostar” is the third person singular form of the verb “að kosta” (to cost), and “þetta” means “this.” This sentence is perfect for formal situations, such as in shops, restaurants, or other official settings.
Informal Expressions:
Hvað kostar þetta?
For a more casual or informal setting, you can use the sentence “Hvað kostar þetta?” which also means “How much does this cost?” This way of asking is suitable when speaking to friends, family, or acquaintances. “Hvað” means “what” or “how much” in English, and “kostar” remains the same as in the formal expression, denoting “cost.” “Þetta” once again means “this.”
Variations in Dialect:
Icelandic, like any language, has regional variations that add to its richness and diversity. While most people in Iceland will understand and use the expressions mentioned above, here are a few slight variations you might encounter:
1. Reykjavík Dialect:
In the capital city of Reykjavík, you might hear the informal expression “Hvað kostar þetta hérna?” The addition of “hérna” emphasizes “here,” indicating that you’re looking for the specific price at the location you’re in.
2. Northern Dialect:
In the northern parts of Iceland, some locals might say “Hvar mikid kostar this?” instead of “Hvað kostar þetta?” This variation involves replacing the word “hvað” with “hvar mikid” to mean “where much.” While it may sound different, it conveys the same idea of asking the price.
Tips:
Now that we’ve covered the different ways to say “how much” in Icelandic, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Speak slowly and clearly, especially if you’re not yet fluent in the language. Locals will appreciate your effort and be more than willing to help.
- During informal conversations, you can drop the pronoun “þetta” and simply ask “Hvað kostar?” It still means “How much?” but with the object of the question left to context.
- If you wish to inquire about the total price of multiple items, you can modify the expressions by saying “Hvað kostar þetta samanlagt?” which translates to “How much does this cost altogether?” This way, you can ensure you receive the total amount instead of just individual prices.
Examples:
To help you grasp the usage of these expressions, here are a few examples showcasing how to say “how much” in different situations:
- At a café: “Hvað kostar einn kaffi?” – “How much does one coffee cost?”
- In a store: “Hvað kostar þessi bók?” – “How much does this book cost?”
- Negotiating a price: “Hvað er lægsti verðið sem þú getur gefið mér fyrir þetta?” – “What is the lowest price you can give me for this?”
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t shy away from using these phrases while exploring the fascinating land of Iceland. The locals will appreciate your efforts to embrace their language and culture.
