Báðar

Báðar is an Icelandic word meaning "both" when referring to two feminine nouns. It is the feminine plural form of the adjective báður, and it agrees with feminine plural nouns in the nominative and accusative cases. The masculine and neuter equivalents are báðir and bæði, respectively.

In usage, báðar is placed before the noun it modifies and must harmonize with gender and number. For example, Báðar konurnar komu means "Both women came," and Báðar bækur eru til staðar means "Both books are available." Because Icelandic adjectives decline for gender, number, and case, báðar is only used with feminine plural nouns or pronouns; other genders use báðir (masculine plural) or bæði (neuter).

Báðar can also function in more general phrases as part of a comparative or enumerative sense when discussing two feminine items, always reflecting agreement with the feminine plural noun it accompanies. In contrast, báðir is used with masculine plural nouns, and bæði with neuter nouns or when referring to two things in a neutral sense.

Notes for learners: remember that the form of the determiner or adjective changes with the gender of the noun it describes. When the noun is feminine plural, use báðar; for masculine plural, use báðir; for neuter, use bæði.

See also: Icelandic grammar, adjectives, gender agreement, demonstratives.