Questions & Answers about Ég tek lyftuna upp.
Why use upp here instead of uppi?
This is the main rule for vertical adverbs! Use upp when there is motion or direction involved (going up). Use uppi when someone or something is stationary (already up there). Since the elevator is moving you upwards, you need the motion word upp.
Why is the elevator called lyftuna here instead of its dictionary form lyfta?
The verb taka (to take) makes the object following it take the accusative case. The word lyfta is a feminine noun. Its accusative form is lyftu, and when you add the feminine accusative definite ending (-na for "the"), you get lyftuna.
Is the verb taka used for other forms of transport too?
Yes, taka works just like "take" in English for getting around. You can say taka lyftuna (take the elevator), taka strætó (take the bus), or taka leigubíl (take a taxi).
How would I say I am taking the elevator down?
You would say Ég tek lyftuna niður. Just like upp, niður is the motion version of the adverb. If you were already standing down in the lobby not moving, you would use the stationary version, niðri.
Learn Ég tek lyftuna upp and more in Icelandic
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free