Learn Icelandic: Sambúðin byrjaði fyrir þremur árum. - The cohabitation began three years ago.

Sambúðin byrjaði fyrir þremur árum.

The cohabitation began three years ago.

Breakdown of Sambúðin byrjaði fyrir þremur árum.

ago (before the time phrase, + dative)

Questions & Answers about Sambúðin byrjaði fyrir þremur árum.

Why is fyrir used here to mean "ago"?

In Icelandic, the concept of "ago" is expressed with the preposition fyrir followed by a time period in the dative case. So while fyrir often means "before" or "for," the specific structure fyrir + dative time always translates to "ago."

Why is the number three written as þremur instead of þrjú?

In Icelandic, the numbers 1 through 4 change their endings to match the gender and case of the noun they describe. Because fyrir triggers the dative case here, the neuter plural noun ár (years) becomes árum. Therefore, the number must also be in the dative neuter form, which is þremur.

Could I use síðan instead of fyrir to express "ago"?

Yes, but the sentence structure would have to change. If you use fyrir, it goes before the dative time period (fyrir þremur árum). If you use síðan (since), it goes after the time period, and you typically use the nominative case with a dummy subject: Það eru þrjú ár síðan sambúðin byrjaði (It is three years since the cohabitation began).

Does sambúð just mean living together as roommates?

Generally, no. While the prefix sam- means "together" and búð refers to a dwelling, sambúð is almost exclusively used to describe a romantic couple living together (cohabitation). If you are just talking about regular roommates, you would use a word like meðleigjandi.