Ljúka

Ljúka is an Icelandic verb meaning to finish, complete, or bring to a close. It is used when describing the completion of tasks, projects, texts, or processes, and can denote bringing an event or activity to an end. In everyday Icelandic, it is often preferred in more formal or written contexts, while speakers may use synonyms such as klára or enda in casual speech.

Common usage and examples

Ljúka is typically followed by a direct object in the accusative, indicating what is being finished. For example, one might say: Ég ætla að ljúka verkefninu í dag. This translates to “I intend to finish the project today.” Other typical collocations include ljúka ritgerð (finish an essay) and ljúka umræðu (conclude a discussion). It can also appear in phrases that specify how something ends, such as ljúka með—meaning to bring something to a close in a particular way.

Register and nuance

Ljúka is often considered more formal or literary than everyday terms like klára or enda. It emphasizes the completion of a process or the closing of a state, rather than merely ending something in a casual sense. The choice of ljúka can signal a sense of thoroughness or finality in what is described.

Etymology and broader context

Ljúka is a native Icelandic verb with roots in Old Norse, and cognate forms appear in other North Germanic languages. It has maintained a stable meaning related to finishing or concluding across historical stages of the language.

See also: Icelandic verbs, language grammar, Finnish and North Germanic cognates.