Heading to Iceland? While most Icelanders speak excellent English, knowing how to say hello in Icelandic or using other popular phrases demonstrates respect and fosters positive connections.
- 1. “Hello” – Góðan daginn
- How do you say it? Greet locals with a warm “Góðan daginn,” meaning “Hello.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Goh-than dah-gin.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Góðan daginn on Google Translate
2. “Thank You” – Takk - How do you say it? Express gratitude with a simple “Takk,” meaning “Thank you.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Tahk.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Takk on Google Translate
3. “Please” – Vinsamlegast - How do you say it? Politely request with “Vinsamlegast,” meaning “Please.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Vin-sam-leh-gast.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Vinsamlegast on Google Translate
4. “Excuse me” – Afsakið - How do you say it? Apologize or get someone’s attention with “Afsakið,” meaning “Excuse me.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Af-sa-kith.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Afsakið on Google Translate
5. “Yes” – Já - How do you say it? Affirm with a simple “Já,” meaning “Yes.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Yow.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Já on Google Translate
6. “No” – Nei - How do you say it? Negate with “Nei,” meaning “No.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Nay.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Nei on Google Translate
7. “Goodbye” – Bless - How do you say it? Bid farewell with “Bless,” meaning “Goodbye.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Bless.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Bless on Google Translate
8. “Water” – Vatn - How do you say it? Stay hydrated with “Vatn,” meaning “Water.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Vatn.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Vatn on Google Translate
9. “Food” – Matur - How do you say it? Discuss dining options with “Matur,” meaning “Food.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Mah-tur.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Matur on Google Translate
10. “Help” – Hjálp - How do you say it? Seek assistance with “Hjálp,” meaning “Help.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Hyawlp.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Hjálp on Google Translate
11. “Sorry” – Fyrirgefðu - How do you say it? Apologize with “Fyrirgefðu,” meaning “Sorry.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Fir-ir-gef-thu.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Fyrirgefðu on Google Translate
12. “Exciting” – Spennandi - How do you say it? Express enthusiasm with “Spennandi,” meaning “Exciting.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Spen-nan-di.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Spennandi on Google Translate
13. “I don’t understand” – Ég skil ekki - How do you say it? Communicate confusion with “Ég skil ekki,” meaning “I don’t understand.”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Yeh skil ehkki.”
- Hear the pronunciation: Ég skil ekki on Google Translate
14. “Where is the bathroom?” – Hvar er klósett? - How do you say it? Inquire about the bathroom with “Hvar er klósett?,” meaning “Where is the bathroom?”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Kvar er kloh-set?”
- Hear the pronunciation: Hvar er klósett? on Google Translate
15. “How much does this cost?” – Hvað kostar þetta? - How do you say it? Ask about prices with “Hvað kostar þetta?,” meaning “How much does this cost?”
- How is it pronounced? Pronounce it like “Kvath kostar thet-ta?”
- Hear the pronunciation: Hvað kostar þetta? on Google Translate
In conclusion, while it is not crucial for basic communication, understanding how to say hello in Icelandic (or other phrases) can leave a lasting positive impression. It’s not just a linguistic courtesy but also an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the richness of the Icelandic language, enhancing your travel experience.