lífinu

lífinu is the definite dative singular form of the Icelandic noun líf, meaning life. It is a grammatical form rather than a stand-alone concept, and it illustrates how Icelandic marks definiteness and case on nouns. In Icelandic, the noun líf declines for case and number, with líf as the base form. The definite nominative/accusative singular is lífið, while the definite dative singular is lífinu. The genitive singular is lífs, and the indefinite form remains líf.

lífinu occurs when the dative case is required, especially after prepositions or verbs that govern the dative. A common example is í lífinu, meaning “in life.” The form can also appear in other dative contexts within sentences that discuss life in a broader, abstract, or philosophical sense. Because Icelandic grammar relies on case endings to indicate function, lífinu signals that the noun is definite and functioning in the dative role.

Etymology and related forms: lífinu is built from the noun líf (life) plus the definite article suffix used for the dative singular. Related forms include líf (indefinite), lífið (definite nominative/accusative), and lífs (definite/genitive). These forms together allow speakers to express nuanced references to life across different grammatical contexts.

See also: líf, lífið, Icelandic grammar, definite forms in Icelandic.