Reykjavík
[ˈreiːcaˌviːk]feminine
To say reykjavik in Icelandic, write Reykjavík, with an accent on the i.
Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, and this is the Icelandic spelling of its name.
Meaning: capital of Iceland (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a compound of reyk, meaning smoke and vík, meaning bay, so it literally means Smoky Bay.
How does it change in a sentence?
Reykjavík is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- The 'smoke' in Reykjavík did not come from a volcanic eruption, but from the steam rising from Iceland's many hot springs.
- While the name means 'Smoky Bay', the word reyk is also the root for the English word 'reek', which refers to a strong smell.
- In Icelandic, the accent mark on the í does not just change the sound, but marks the letter as a distinct vowel from i.
Examples in context
- Það búa um það bil 320.000 manns á Íslandi. Reykjavík er höfuðborg Íslands.About 320,000 people live in Iceland. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik.The second sentence names Reykjavík as the capital of Iceland.Tatoeba #4020711 by Bergthor, translation #3511343 by Objectivesea
- Hvað er dýrt í Reykjavík?What is expensive in Reykjavík?
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend travel plans.
- JónHvar býrðu, Jón?Where do you live, Jón?
- KristínÉg bý í Reykjavík.I live in Reykjavík.
- JónEr það fallegt þar?Is it beautiful there?
- KristínJá, Reykjavík er mjög falleg borg.Yes, Reykjavík is a very beautiful city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reykjavik” translations and entries Reykjavík, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Reykjavík, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
