einhverju

Einhverju is an Icelandic word that functions as an inflected form of the indefinite pronoun einhver, used to express indefiniteness or non-specific reference. In English, it is commonly translated as “something,” “any,” or “some,” depending on context. The form appears in several inflected forms and is most often found in phrases or clauses where the referent is not specified.

In modern Icelandic, einhverju is one of the forms that arise from the pronoun einhver. Its exact form and meaning depend on grammatical case, number, and gender within a sentence. It is frequently encountered in prepositional phrases and in subordinate clauses that introduce a non-specific referent. A closely related form, eins og einhvers, marks the genitive, as in expressions that describe a kind or amount without naming a specific object. The use of einhverju and related forms helps convey indefiniteness without committing to a particular thing or person.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from the Old Norse and other North Germanic roots that produce a family of indefinite pronouns across the Scandinavian languages. Cognates appear in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish with similar meanings related to “some,” “any,” or “someone/something.” In Icelandic, these forms are integrated into standard syntax and decline like other pronouns and adjectives in the language.

See also: Icelandic grammar, indefinite pronouns, pronoun declension, languages of the North Germanic family.