hvernig á að segja
[ˈkʰvɛrtnɪɣ ˈauː að ˈseija]word by word
The Icelandic phrase for "how to say" is hvernig á að segja.
This phrase is used to ask for the correct wording, translation or pronunciation of a specific term.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hvernig (how), á að (is to/should) and segja (say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the impersonal construction á að, which functions as an infinitive marker similar to the "to" in the English phrase "how to say".
Did you know?
- Icelandic is known for its linguistic purism, meaning the government creates new words for modern technology rather than borrowing them from English.
- Because Icelandic has changed so little since the Viking Age, a modern speaker can often read the Old Norse sagas without a translation.
- The word á in this phrase is a homonym that shares its spelling with the Icelandic word for 'river'.
Examples in context
- Hvernig segi ég 'halló' á íslensku?How do I say 'hello' in Icelandic?
- Hvernig má segja 'bless' á íslensku?How can one say 'goodbye' in Icelandic?
- Ég veit ekki hvernig á að segja það.I don't know how to say that.
- Geturðu sýnt mér hvernig á að segja það?Can you show me how to say it?
Example conversation
Sigurður is learning a new language and asks Guðrún for help.
- SigurðurHvernig á að segja 'takk' á ensku?How do you say 'takk' in English?
- GuðrúnMaður segir 'thank you'.One says 'thank you'.
- SigurðurTakk, Guðrún!Thanks, Guðrún!
- GuðrúnÞað vart ekkert.It was nothing.
