Questions & Answers about Í dag borðum við strax.
Why is the order borðum við instead of við borðum?
This is because of the V2 (verb-second) rule. In Icelandic, the verb must usually be the second block of information in a main sentence. Since the time phrase Í dag takes the first spot, the verb borðum must come right after it. This pushes the subject við to the third spot.
Why is 'today' written as two words, Í dag?
Literally, Í dag translates to 'in day'. Icelandic uses this two-word phrase instead of a single word for 'today'. The word dag is a form of the noun dagur (day).
Why does the verb end in '-um' in borðum?
The dictionary form of the verb is borða (to eat). Because the subject is við (we), the verb changes to match it by taking the '-um' ending. This is a very regular pattern for the 'we' form in Icelandic.
What kind of word is strax?
strax means 'right away' or 'immediately'. It is an adverb, which is good news for learners because adverbs never change their endings. It will always be strax no matter who is doing the action.