Questions & Answers about Við notum ekki tölvuna hér.
How does the word for "the computer" (tölvuna) get its ending?
The base word for "computer" is tölva, which is a feminine noun. Because we are talking about a specific computer, we need the definite ending (the "the" part). For most feminine nouns that end in -a, you drop that -a and add -una in the accusative case. So, tölv- + -una gives us tölvuna.
Why does "the computer" need to be in the accusative case here in the first place?
It is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the sentence—it is the thing being used. The verb nota (to use) forces the object receiving the action into the accusative case.
Why does ekki (not) come after the verb instead of before it like in English?
In English, we usually put the negative word before the main verb (like "don't use"). In Icelandic, the negative word ekki almost always comes right after the verb. Literally, the word order here is "We use not the computer here."
I know the verb "to use" is nota. Why is it spelled notum in this sentence?
In Icelandic, verbs change their endings to match the subject (the person or thing doing the action). Whenever the subject is við (we), the verb ends in -um. Therefore, nota becomes notum.