15 Beautiful Icelandic Words We Need in English
With only 330,000 residents, Iceland has a pretty small population and even fewer native speakers of Icelandic. With archaic roots that still carry over into this modern language, Icelandic is unique in that it is very close to Old Norse. Another thing that makes it unique is that it is constantly changing, as new translations of foreign words are readily made available. Here are some beautiful words that don’t quite have a direct translation into English.
Raðljóst (n.)
Pronounce it like this: rath-ljoust
Skúmaskot (n.)
Pronounce it like this: skewma-skoat
Nenna (v.)
Pronounce it like this: nennah
Skreppa (v.)
Pronounce it like this: skreppah
Vesen (n.)
Pronounce it like this: veh-sen
Kærasti / Kærasta (n.)
Pronounce it like this: kai-rasti / kai-rasta
Ljósmóðir (n.)
Pronounce it like this: ljous-mow-thr
Jæja (interj.)
Pronounce it like this: yai-yah
Víðsýni (n.)
Pronounce it like this: vith-see-nee
Ísbíltúr (n.)
Pronounce it like this: ees-beel-tour
Duglegur (adj.)
Pronounce it like this: doog-leg-ur
Ástfangin (adj.)
Pronounce it like this: owst-faungin
Gluggaveður (n.)
Pronounce it like this: glew-ga-veth-ur
Tölva (n.)
Pronounce it like this: toelva
Dragsúgur (n.)
Pronounce it like this: drag-sue-gher
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.
Read Next
Guides & Tips
This is the Best Package Deal to Book in Iceland
Guides & Tips
Beyond Reykjavik - Discovering the best of North Iceland
Guides & Tips
The Best Private Trips to Book For Your Geography Class
Guides & Tips
The Most Beautiful Waterfalls in the World
Guides & Tips
The Best Places to Travel in March 2024
Guides & Tips
The Best Group Trips to Take With Your Friends
Guides & Tips
How Much Does a Trip to Iceland Cost?
Guides & Tips
The Best Places to Visit with Culture Trip this Winter
Guides & Tips
Meet Our On-The-Ground Local Insiders
Guides & Tips
The Best Trips for Using Unique Methods of Transport
Guides & Tips
The Best Private Trips to Book for an Adventure Holiday
Guides & Tips
Top Tips for Travelling in Iceland
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
