notaðu

Notaðu is the Icelandic second-person singular present imperative form of the verb nota, meaning "to use." It is used to give a direct instruction to one person to make use of something, often followed by the object being used, as in Notaðu þetta or Notaðu lyfið.

Grammar and usage: The imperative is formed from the infinitive nota by adding the suffix -ðu to the stem, yielding a direct command. In sentences, the object or complement typically follows the verb, and the tone can range from casual to instructional. Notaðu can appear in manuals, signs, everyday speech, and health or safety instructions where a clear directive is required. For addressing more than one person, the corresponding plural imperative form notið is used.

Pronunciation and orthography: The form contains the Icelandic letter ð, a voiced dental fricative, giving approximate pronunciation similar to "not-ðau" with the ð sounds between d and th in other languages. Spelling remains stable across common contexts, though pronunciation varies with regional accents.

Related forms and etymology: Notaðu derives from the verb nota, meaning "to use." The word notaður is the related past participle meaning "used" and is used as an adjective or in passive constructions, distinct from the imperative notaðu. The verb and its forms trace back to Old Norse and share common heritage with other Scandinavian languages.

Usage notes: Notaðu is appropriate in informal to neutral contexts. In formal or plural directives, Icelandic uses other imperative forms such as notið for "you all use." The imperative mood is a key feature of practical Icelandic, enabling concise commands and instructions.