Lýsingarfornafn

Lýsingarfornafn are demonstrative pronouns in Icelandic. They function similarly to "this," "that," "these," and "those" in English, pointing to specific nouns or noun phrases. Lýsingarfornafn change form based on gender, number, and case to agree with the noun they modify or refer to. The most common lýsingarfornafn are sá (masculine singular), sú (feminine singular), og það (neuter singular). For the plural, they become þeir (masculine), þær (feminine), and þau (neuter).

These pronouns can precede the noun they modify, acting as determiners, or they can stand alone, replacing the noun entirely. For example, "sá maður" translates to "that man," where "sá" modifies "maður." If used alone, "Sá er góður" would mean "He is good," with "sá" referring to a previously mentioned male person or thing. The choice between "sá," "sú," and "það" depends on the grammatical gender of the noun in question. Similarly, the plural forms "þeir," "þær," and "þau" are used when referring to multiple items. Understanding the declension of lýsingarfornafn is crucial for correct Icelandic grammar.