ferðu

Ferðu is a form of the Icelandic verb fara, meaning “to go.” It is used when addressing another person directly and expresses the present action of going or traveling in relation to the listener. In general terms, it functions as the second-person singular form associated with you.

In everyday Icelandic, ferðu commonly appears in questions or statements about where someone is going. For example, Ferðu til Reykjavíkur? translates to “Are you going to Reykjavik?” and Ferðu núna? can mean “Are you leaving now?” It is worth noting that Icelandic grammar distinguishes several second-person forms, and ferðu is one such form that appears in colloquial speech and certain constructions. The more formal or standard imperative form used to tell someone to go is farðu, not ferðu.

Phonologically, ferðu is typically pronounced somewhat like fair-doo, with two syllables. Its spelling clearly marks it as related to the verb fara, from which other present and imperative forms are derived.

Relationship to related forms: other common forms of fara include ég fer (I go), þú ferð (you go), við förum (we go), þið farið (you go, plural), þeir fara (they go), and farðu (imperative “go!”). These forms illustrate the variety of ways to express movement and motion to or from someone in Icelandic, depending on person, number, and mood.

See also: fara, Icelandic verb conjugation, Icelandic grammar.