Breakdown of Þú þurrkar upp málninguna með tuskunni.
þú
you
með
with
upp
up
þurrka
to wipe
málningin
the paint
tuskan
the rag
Questions & Answers about Þú þurrkar upp málninguna með tuskunni.
Why does upp come before málninguna? Could I put it at the end?
In Icelandic, the particle of a phrasal verb (like upp) usually sits right before a full noun object. So þurrkar upp málninguna is correct. If the object was a pronoun instead (like hana for "it"), the pronoun would jump ahead of the particle: Þú þurrkar hana upp (You wipe it up).
Why is the word for paint málninguna here?
Málning (paint) is the direct object of the action, so it takes the accusative case. It is a feminine noun, and because we are saying "the paint", we add the feminine accusative definite article, giving us málninguna.
Why does tuska (rag) become tuskunni?
The preposition með takes the dative case when it describes the tool or instrument you use to perform an action. Tuska is a feminine noun, so its definite dative form is tuskunni ("with the rag").
Does þurrka upp always mean "wipe up"?
Usually, yes! The verb þurrka means "to wipe" or "to dry". Adding the particle upp gives it a similar feel to English "wipe up" or "dry up", and it is the standard phrase used for wiping up spills or even drying the dishes (þurrka upp leirtauið).
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