Kjósum

kjósum is the first-person plural present tense form of the Icelandic verb kjósa, meaning to vote or to choose. In Icelandic, kjósa covers both selecting options and electing representatives, so kjósum translates as “we vote” or “we choose” depending on context. It is used when the speaker refers to a group including themselves acting together.

Etymology and form: The verb kjósa originates from Old Norse kjósa. The present tense form kjósum specifically marks the first-person plural, distinguishing it from other forms such as singular or other persons. The long ó in the stem signals duration or emphasis in the vowel.

Usage: Kjósum is common in everyday speech and in political discourse when describing collective action. It appears in sentences like “Við kjósum í alþingiskosningum” (We vote in parliamentary elections) or “Við kjósum að taka þátt í kosningum” (We choose to participate in the elections). The object of kjósa can be a person, a policy, or an electoral action, depending on the sentence.

Pronunciation: The initial “kj” is a palatalized sound similar to a light “ky” in English, while “ó” is a long vowel, and the word ends with the nasal “m.” The overall rhythm typically places stress on the first syllable.

See also: kjósa, kosningar, Alþingi, val.