In a previous lesson, we saw how present participles (verbs ending in -andi) can be used as unchanging adjectives. These same -andi forms can also function as adverbs of manner.
When used as an adverb, a present participle describes how an action is performed. This is especially useful in storytelling, stage directions, or describing physical expressions. In English, these often translate to "-ing" phrases added to a sentence (e.g., "reads the script, whispering").
For most verbs, drop the infinitive -a and add -andi:
- hvísla (to whisper) becomes hvíslandi (whispering)
- andvarpa (to sigh) becomes andvarpandi (sighing)
Let's look at some actors following their stage directions:
| The actor reads the script, whispering. | Leikarinn les handritið hvíslandi. |
| The director looks at the set, sighing. | Leikstjórinn horfir andvarpandi á leikmyndina. |
Expressing Physical Movement and Emotion
Because adverbs describe verbs, the -andi word usually follows the main action or its object. It tells us the physical or emotional manner in which the subject is moving or speaking.
Here are some examples of physical movement and intense emotion on stage:
| She walks into the spotlight, limping. | Hún gengur inn í kastljósið haltrandi. |
| They are going to say the line, screaming. | Þeir ætla að segja línuna öskrandi. |
| The student listens to the teacher, staring. | Nemandinn hlustar starandi á kennarann. |
Always Unchanging
Just like when acting as adjectives, present participles used as adverbs are completely unchanging. They never decline or adjust for the gender, number, or case of the person doing the action.
Whether it is a single boy leaving the stage or multiple women talking, the -andi form stays exactly the same:
| The boy leaves the stage, sobbing. | Strákurinn fer af sviðinu snöktandi. |
| They sit together and talk, whispering. | Þær sitja saman og tala hvíslandi. |