Weak Adjectives for Direct Address
When you are speaking or writing directly to someone—like penning fan mail to your favorite celebrity—you must use the weak declension of adjectives. This is sometimes called the vocative use.
The weak forms of adjectives are very predictable: they almost always end in a vowel.
Masculine: -i
When addressing a male person or a masculine noun (like vinur, söngvari, or leikari), the adjective takes an -i ending.
For example, kær (dear) becomes kæri, and góður (good) becomes góði.
| Dear Jón, you are my inspiration. | Kæri Jón, þú ert innblásturinn minn. |
| Good friend, I am your biggest fan. | Góði vinur, ég er stærsti aðdáandinn þinn. |
Feminine and Neuter: -a
When addressing a female person or a feminine noun (like söngkona, leikkona, or fyrirmynd), the adjective takes an -a ending.
| Dear singer, I still have your autograph. | Kæra söngkona, ég á ennþá eiginhandaráritunina þína. |
| Kind-hearted Anna, you are her role model. | Góðhjartaða Anna, þú ert fyrirmyndin hennar. |
You also use the -a ending when addressing someone using a neuter noun, such as tónskáld (composer).
| Good composer, you have yet to compose another masterpiece. | Góða tónskáld, þú átt eftir að semja annað meistaraverk. |
Bigger Words, Same Rules
This rule applies to all adjectives, no matter how long or complex. Expressive adjectives like óviðjafnanlegur (incomparable), ástkær (beloved), or hógvær (humble) will still take the -i or -a ending depending on the gender of the person or noun you are praising.
| Incomparable actor, I adore you and your brilliance. | Óviðjafnanlegi leikari, ég dýrka þig og snilldina þína. |
| Incomparable actress, we are going to watch your movie. | Óviðjafnanlega leikkona, við ætlum að horfa á bíómyndina þína. |