Breakdown of Ekki vera að klóra súluna, vinsamlegast.
vera
to be
ekki
not
að
to (infinitive marker)
vinsamlegast
please
klóra
to scratch
súlan
the pillar
Questions & Answers about Ekki vera að klóra súluna, vinsamlegast.
Why does the translation say "stop scratching" instead of "don't scratch"?
The structure ekki vera að followed by an infinitive like klóra is a continuous prohibition. It literally means "don't be scratching." Icelandic uses this specifically when someone is already doing the action and you want them to stop, which is why "stop scratching" is the most natural English translation.
Why do we use the infinitive vera here instead of the imperative vertu?
When forming negative commands with ekki, Icelandic uses the infinitive form of the verb rather than the imperative. Therefore, you say ekki vera instead of the incorrect ekki vertu.
Why is súluna in the accusative case? Doesn't klóra sometimes take the dative?
The verb klóra takes the accusative case when you are scratching an external object or surface, like súluna (the pillar). It only takes the dative case when used reflexively to mean scratching an itch on a living being, such as að klóra sér (to scratch oneself).
Where does the word vinsamlegast come from?
It acts as the standard adverb for "please," but it is actually the superlative form of the adjective vinsamlegur (friendly). So, adding vinsamlegast to a request literally means you are asking "in the friendliest manner" or "most amiably."
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