ljúga

Ljúga is an Icelandic verb meaning to tell a falsehood or to deceive by making statements that are not true. It denotes the act of lying and is used in everyday speech as well as in literature and media. The verb can take a recipient in the sentence, typically expressed in the dative case, as in the example “hann ljúgaði mér” (he lied to me).

Etymology and related forms: ljúga is derived from Old Norse lyggja/lygja, and is cognate with related words in other Germanic languages such as Danish lyge and Swedish ljuga. The root is connected to the concept of deceit and falsehood across the Nordic languages.

Usage notes: ljúga describes intentional false statements about people, events, or facts. In Icelandic, it is common to express the recipient of the lie with a dative pronoun or noun, as in lying to someone. The verb is used across formal and informal registers and appears in everyday speech, journalism, and fiction. It is distinct from terms for untruths described in more cautious or exploratory senses.

See also: Lie (concept), deception, falsehood.