The Abstract Dual Pronoun: hvort tveggja
To say "both" in Icelandic, you usually use the pronoun báðir for distinct, countable objects. However, when referring to two abstract concepts, uncountable nouns, or general ideas, use the phrase hvort tveggja (literally "each of two").
| We need reason and realism; we choose both. | Við þurfum skynsemi og raunsæi; við veljum hvort tveggja. |
| I need physical rest and harmony; I choose both. | Ég þarf líkamlega hvíld og samræmi; ég vel hvort tveggja. |
| The ideal and the reality are different, but she loves both. | Hugjónin og raunveruleikinn eru ólík, en hún elskar hvort tveggja. |
Balancing Dualities
When navigating abstract dualities, pay attention to the case requirements of your verbs. For example, fórna (to sacrifice) and viðhalda (to maintain) both take dative objects.
| She does not want to sacrifice the ideal for realism. | Hún vill ekki fórna hugjóninni fyrir raunsæið. |
| If we find harmony, we maintain the unity. | Ef við finnum samræmi, viðhöldum við einingunni. |
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