Questions & Answers about Þetta er alveg rétt.
Why do we use the neuter words þetta and rétt here instead of masculine or feminine forms?
When you talk about a general idea, a situation, or a statement that was just made, Icelandic uses the neuter gender. Because you aren't referring to a specific masculine or feminine noun, the word for 'this' becomes the neuter þetta and the adjective 'right' becomes the neuter rétt.
Does the word alveg always mean completely?
Yes, alveg means completely, totally, or absolutely. In English, we might say 'quite right' or 'exactly right', but in Icelandic, combining alveg with rétt is the most natural and common way to say that a statement is 100% correct.
If I want to say a person is right, can I just say Hann er réttur?
No, this is a common trap! In Icelandic, you cannot use the verb vera (to be) with the adjective réttur to say a person is correct. Instead, you use the phrase að hafa rétt fyrir sér (to have right before oneself). So, 'He is completely right' would be Hann hefur alveg rétt fyrir sér. The phrase Þetta er alveg rétt only works for things, statements, or situations.