Yes, no and the essentials in Icelandic
The small words that carry half of every conversation, and the ones that rescue it. Play the ten Icelandic words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Icelandic phrases in this lesson
- Jáyow
- Yes
- Neinay
- No
- Allt í lagiahlt ee LAH-yee
- Okay
- Ég skil ekkiyekh skil EK-ee
- I don't understand
- Talar þú ensku?TAH-lar thoo EN-sku
- Do you speak English?
- Geturðu endurtekið þetta?GEH-tur-thu EN-dur-teh-kith THET-tah
- Can you repeat that?
- Hægar, takkHYE-gar, tahk
- Slowly, please
- Hvað er þetta?kvath er THET-tah
- What is this?
- Mig vantar...mikh VAN-tar
- I need...
- Geturðu hjálpað mér?GEH-tur-thu HYOWL-path myer
- Can you help me?
Pronounced like "yow" rhyming with "now." Short and clear. You will also hear a sharp intake of breath used as a casual "yes" in Icelandic, which can startle visitors.
Exactly like the English "nay." Easy to remember and universally understood. Polite and direct in Icelandic culture with no need to soften it.
Literally "all in order." The standard Icelandic way to say okay or that's fine. You'll hear this constantly in shops and conversation. Often shortened to just "í lagi" in speech.
Essential when someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar words. Icelanders are accustomed to helping tourists and will often switch to English immediately.
Nearly all Icelanders under 60 speak excellent English. Asking this in Icelandic first is a respectful gesture that is always appreciated before switching languages.
Literally "slower, thanks".
Literally "me lacks".