Reflexive Verbs with "sín"
In Icelandic, certain verbs require a reflexive pronoun in the genitive case. For third-person subjects (he, she, it, or they), this pronoun is always sín.
Njóta sín (To enjoy oneself)
Að njóta sín literally translates to "to enjoy oneself," but often carries the deeper meaning of thriving or being in one's element.
| He actually enjoys himself well in the country. | Hann nýtur sín reyndar vel í sveitinni. |
| They practice mindfulness and enjoy themselves better. | Þau æfa núvitundina og njóta sín betur. |
Skammast sín (To be ashamed)
Að skammast sín (to be ashamed) is an -st verb that also requires the pronoun sín. To state what someone is ashamed of, use the preposition fyrir followed by the accusative case.
| He is ashamed of the rudeness. | Hann skammast sín fyrir dónaskapinn. |
In the past tense, skammast becomes skammaðist (for singular subjects).
| The student said that he was ashamed of the arrogance. | Nemandinn sagði að hann skammaðist sín fyrir hrokann. |
Gæta sín (To be careful)
Að gæta sín means "to be careful," "to watch out," or "to take care of oneself."
| They must be careful because of the incident yesterday. | Þau verða að gæta sín vegna uppákomunnar í gær. |
Describing Personal Conduct
When discussing behavior, you will often use these reflexive verbs alongside descriptive nouns and adjectives, such as ábyrgðarlaus (irresponsible) and tillitssemin (the consideration).
| The irresponsible boy is not careful and shows no consideration. | Ábyrgðarlausi strákurinn gætir sín ekki og sýnir enga tillitssemi. |
| The selfishness and the ignorance will destroy the cooperation. | Eigingirnin og fáfræðin munu eyðileggja samstarfið. |
A person who conducts themselves well generally demonstrates excellent dómgreindin (judgment).
| A dignified employee shows good judgment and consideration. | Virðulegur starfsmaður sýnir góða dómgreind og tillitssemi. |