Question 1

Why do we use Þetta (which means "this") instead of a plural word for "these"?

Accepted Answer

When pointing things out or introducing them, Icelandic always uses the neuter singular word Þetta (this), even if you are pointing at multiple things. You just change the verb to the plural form: Þetta eru literally translates to "This are", which is how Icelanders say "These are".

Question 2

Why do the numbers look so different from each other here (þrír vs fjórar)?

Accepted Answer

In Icelandic, the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 change to match the gender of the noun they are counting. Bananar (bananas) is a masculine word, so we use the masculine form for three (þrír). Appelsínur (oranges) is a feminine word, so we use the feminine form for four (fjórar).

Question 3

If I just want to count "one, two, three, four" out loud, which gender do I use?

Accepted Answer

When counting in general without pointing to specific objects, you always use the masculine forms: einn, tveir, þrír, fjórir. This is why the masculine þrír might look familiar to you, but you have to learn the specific feminine form fjórar for counting feminine objects like oranges.

Question 4

How can I tell that bananar and appelsínur are plural words?

Accepted Answer

Most masculine nouns ending in a vowel in their singular form take an -r in the plural, like banani becoming bananar. Most feminine nouns ending in a vowel take -ur, like appelsína becoming appelsínur.

Þetta eru þrír bananar og fjórar appelsínur.

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