Questions & Answers about Verslunin lokar klukkan níu í kvöld.
What is the function of the word klukkan in this sentence?
klukkan literally means “the clock,” but in time expressions it functions like English “at … o’clock.” Icelandic uses the definite form of klukka (klukkan) together with a numeral to tell time. So klukkan níu = “at nine.”
Why is níu not declined here?
Cardinal numbers from five upward are indeclinable in Icelandic, so níu (nine) stays the same in all cases. Only the numbers tvö, þrír, and fjórir (2–4) change their endings.
Why is the noun verslunin used instead of verslun?
Icelandic nouns have indefinite and definite forms. verslun means “a store/shop,” while verslunin (with –in) means “the store.” Since we’re talking about a specific store, we use the definite form.
Why is í kvöld used for “tonight”? Can I just say kvöld?
í kvöld is the fixed expression for “tonight” (this evening). The preposition í plus the indefinite noun kvöld gives you “in the evening” in the sense of You can’t drop ; alone wouldn’t convey the same meaning.