Questions & Answers about Þú ræður þessu.
Why is "this" translated as þessu instead of þetta?
The verb ráða takes its object in the dative case when it means "to decide" or "to control." Because of this rule, the standard word for "this" (þetta) has to change into its dative form, which is þessu.
Why does the vowel change from "á" in the infinitive ráða to "æ" in ræður?
Ráða is a strong verb, which means it often changes its main stem vowel when conjugated. In the present tense for singular pronouns like ég (I) and þú (you), the á shifts to æ. So að ráða becomes ég ræð and þú ræður.
Can I use this phrase to say "It's up to you"?
Yes! While it literally translates to "You decide this," the phrase þú ræður (often just used by itself without þessu) is the most common and natural way to say "It's up to you," "You're the boss," or "Your call" in everyday Icelandic.
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