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
Read Next
The 10 Most Beautiful Opera Houses Around The World
The Most Beautiful Places in Iceland
36 Natural Wonders in Europe That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Most Scenic Train Journeys You Can Experience in Europe
The 15 Best Cities in the World for Art
The 11 Best European Destinations for a November Adventure
The Most Epic Cliffs In The World
25 Places in Mediterranean Europe You Must See at Least Once in Your Lifetime
What to Know About Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavik
The 11 Best and Cheapest European Cities to Visit This Autumn
How to Spend Christmas Eve Like a True Icelander
The 10 Best European Museums for Contemporary Art
Winter Sale
Save up to $1,150 on our trips! Book now and secure your adventure!
