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Questions & Answers about Það er stórt.
Why is Það used here instead of other pronouns like Hann or Hún?
In Icelandic, Það literally translates as it, and it is commonly used as a dummy subject. Icelandic often starts a sentence with Það when talking about something indefinite, describing general situations, or giving unspecified information. Meanwhile, Hann (he) or Hún (she) are used when referring to a specifically masculine or feminine noun.
How is Það pronounced?
Það is generally pronounced with a soft "th" sound at the beginning, similar to the "th" in the English word this, followed by a short "ah" sound. The ð in modern Icelandic often sounds like a voiced "th" (as in this), though it can sometimes be quite subtle.
Why does stórt end in a -t?
In Icelandic, adjectives change depending on gender, number, and case. Stór is the adjective for "big." Here, it's used in the neuter singular form, so stór changes to stórt. If the subject were masculine singular, you'd say Hann er stór, and if it were feminine singular, you'd say Hún er stór.
Is stórt used only in this sentence structure?
No. Stórt as a form can be used whenever you need the neuter singular. For example, if you refer to a neuter noun in the singular form, you use stórt. It can also appear in other grammatical cases, though the ending may change accordingly.
Do I need to use an article before stórt in Icelandic, like "a big thing"?
In Icelandic, there are no indefinite articles similar to English "a" or "an," so you wouldn't insert one. The translation into English requires "a," but in Icelandic, you simply say Það er stórt, with no extra article.