Questions & Answers about Þetta skiptir máli.
Why is Þetta used here instead of Þessi?
Þetta is the neuter form of the word for this. In Icelandic, when you are referring to a general idea, situation, or statement rather than a specific physical noun with a masculine or feminine gender, you always use the neuter form.
Does skiptir mean matters? I thought skipta meant to change or to switch.
You are right that skipta usually means to change, switch, or divide. However, the phrase skipta máli is a very common fixed expression that translates directly to to matter or to be important.
Why is the word for matter written as máli instead of just mál?
The verb skipta forces the noun connected to it to take the dative case. The base noun is mál (which can mean a case, issue, or language), and its dative form is máli.
How would I say This does not matter using this phrase?
To make this sentence negative, you simply add ekki right after the verb. The phrase becomes Þetta skiptir ekki máli.
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