Language/Icelandic/Vocabulary/Weather-Vocabulary
| ◀️ Prepositional Phrases — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Seasons and Months ▶️ |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will explore vocabulary related to weather conditions in Icelandic. Weather is a topic of great importance in Icelandic culture, as the country's unique geography and climate make it a subject of constant fascination and conversation. By learning weather vocabulary, you will be able to engage in everyday conversations about the weather, understand weather forecasts, and appreciate the Icelandic cultural connection to nature. This lesson is designed for complete beginners and will provide you with a solid foundation in weather-related vocabulary, including temperature, precipitation, and weather phenomena.
Weather Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Temperature[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning how to talk about temperature in Icelandic. Here are some commonly used words and phrases:
| Icelandic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| hitastig | [ˈhɪːtaˌstɪːɣ] | temperature |
| heitt | [ˈheɪt] | hot |
| kalt | [kʰalt] | cold |
| frost | [frɔst] | frost |
| það er heitt | [θaːθ ɛr ˈheɪt] | it is hot |
| það er kalt | [θaːθ ɛr kʰalt] | it is cold |
| það er frost | [θaːθ ɛr frɔst] | it is frosty |
| hversu mikið hitastig er? | [ˈkʰvɛrsʏ ˈmɪːcɪð ˈhɪːtaˌstɪːɣ ɛr] | What is the temperature? |
Notice that in Icelandic, the word "hitastig" is used to refer to temperature. You can use the phrase "það er" (it is) to describe the current temperature. For example, "það er heitt" means "it is hot." To ask about the temperature, use the phrase "hversu mikið hitastig er?" which translates to "What is the temperature?"
Precipitation[edit | edit source]
Next, let's explore vocabulary related to precipitation in Icelandic. Precipitation refers to any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, such as rain, snow, or hail. Here are some commonly used words and phrases:
| Icelandic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| úrkoma | [ˈuːrˌkɔma] | precipitation |
| regn | [rɛɣn] | rain |
| snjór | [snjouːr] | snow |
| hagl | [haːkl] | hail |
| það er að regna | [θaːθ ɛr að ˈrɛɣna] | it is raining |
| það er að snjóa | [θaːθ ɛr að ˈsnjouːa] | it is snowing |
| það er að haglrega | [θaːθ ɛr að ˈhaːklrɛɣna] | it is hailing |
| hversu mikið úrkoma er? | [ˈkʰvɛrsʏ ˈmɪːcɪð ˈuːrˌkɔma ɛr] | How much precipitation is there? |
The word "úrkoma" is used to refer to precipitation in general. To describe specific types of precipitation, use the words "regn" for rain, "snjór" for snow, and "hagl" for hail. You can use the phrase "það er að" (it is) followed by the verb form to describe the current precipitation. For example, "það er að regna" means "it is raining." To ask about the amount of precipitation, use the phrase "hversu mikið úrkoma er?" which translates to "How much precipitation is there?"
Weather Phenomena[edit | edit source]
Now let's learn some words related to weather phenomena in Icelandic. Weather phenomena are natural phenomena that occur in the atmosphere, such as clouds, wind, and lightning. Here are some commonly used words and phrases:
| Icelandic | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| veður | [ˈvɛːðʏr] | weather |
| ský | [skʰyː] | clouds |
| vindur | [ˈvɪntʏr] | wind |
| þruma | [θrʏma] | thunder |
| elding | [ˈɛltɪŋ] | lightning |
| sól | [soul] | sun |
| tungl | [tʏŋkl̥] | moon |
| stjörnur | [ˈstjœrˌnʏr] | stars |
| það er skýjað | [θaːθ ɛr ˈskʰyːjað] | it is cloudy |
| það er vindur | [θaːθ ɛr ˈvɪntʏr] | it is windy |
| það er þruma | [θaːθ ɛr ˈθrʏma] | there is thunder |
| það er elding | [θaːθ ɛr ˈɛltɪŋ] | there is lightning |
The word "veður" is used to refer to weather in general. To describe specific weather phenomena, use the words "ský" for clouds, "vindur" for wind, "þruma" for thunder, "elding" for lightning, "sól" for sun, "tungl" for moon, and "stjörnur" for stars. You can use the phrase "það er" (it is) followed by the noun to describe the current weather. For example, "það er skýjað" means "it is cloudy."
Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]
The weather has a significant impact on Icelandic culture and daily life. Due to its location in the North Atlantic, Iceland experiences a wide range of weather conditions, including frequent storms, strong winds, and unpredictable changes in temperature. The Icelandic language has developed a rich vocabulary to describe these weather phenomena, reflecting the close relationship between the Icelandic people and their natural environment.
Icelandic people have a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of nature, and the weather plays a central role in their cultural traditions and folklore. For example, winter storms are often associated with the mythical figure of the "Yule Cat" (Jólakötturinn), a large cat that is said to roam the countryside and eat anyone who has not received new clothes before Christmas Eve. This tradition serves as an incentive for children and adults alike to finish their work and prepare for the winter season.
Another important aspect of Icelandic culture related to weather is the concept of "íþróttir í illu veðri" (sports in bad weather). Icelanders are known for their love of outdoor activities, even in challenging weather conditions. It is not uncommon to see people hiking, running, or playing sports in the rain, wind, or snow. This resilience and connection to nature is deeply ingrained in Icelandic culture and is reflected in the language itself.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now, let's practice using the weather vocabulary we have learned. Translate the following sentences from English to Icelandic:
1. It is hot today. 2. How much snow is there? 3. The wind is strong. 4. Are there any clouds? 5. I love the sound of thunder.
Answers: 1. Það er heitt í dag. 2. Hversu mikið er af snjó? 3. Vindurinn er sterkur. 4. Eru til ský? 5. Ég elska hljóðið af þrumunni.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have now learned a variety of weather-related vocabulary in Icelandic. By mastering these words and phrases, you will be able to confidently discuss the weather, understand weather forecasts, and engage in conversations about Icelandic culture and traditions. Keep practicing and exploring the fascinating world of the Icelandic language, and enjoy your journey to becoming an Icelandic speaker!
Videos[edit | edit source]
Icelandic Tongue Twister - Bad Travel Weather [EP.31] - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Icelandic vocabulary - Wikipedia
- Level 18 - Weather - Icelandic Vocabulary and phrases - Memrise
- Icelandic Weather Expressions - ielanguages.com
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Introducing Yourself
- Food
- Directions and Locations
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Daily Routine
- Restaurant
- Geography
- Health
- traveling or buying
- Holidays Þegar maður óskar einhverjum einhvers
| ◀️ Prepositional Phrases — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Seasons and Months ▶️ |