Question 1

How is the abstract noun feimni formed from its root adjective?

Accepted Answer

It is derived from the adjective feiminn (shy). By dropping the adjective ending and adding the suffix -ni, we get the feminine abstract noun feimni (shyness). This -ni suffix is the standard way to turn adjectives ending in -inn into abstract nouns.

Question 2

Why does the word feimni not change its ending even though it is the object of the verb?

Accepted Answer

The verb sýna (to show) does require the accusative case for its object. However, feminine abstract nouns ending in -ni, like feimni, are indeclinable in the singular. This means their form stays exactly the same in all four cases (nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive). You can only tell it is accusative here because the adjective mikla agrees with it in the feminine accusative singular.

Question 3

Could we add the definite article and say sýnir mikla feimnina?

Accepted Answer

While grammatically possible if you were referring to a highly specific, previously mentioned instance of shyness, abstract nouns representing general qualities or emotions usually remain indefinite in Icelandic. Here, the puppy is showing a general trait, so feimni stays indefinite.

Question 4

Since the puppy is going downstairs, why use niður instead of niðri?

Accepted Answer

Icelandic makes a strict distinction between motion and static location. Because the puppy is actively moving downwards (paired with the action verb fara), you must use the directional adverb niður. If the puppy were already located downstairs and just standing there, you would use the static location adverb niðri.

Hvolpurinn fer niður og sýnir mikla feimni.

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