reikna

Reikna is an Icelandic verb meaning to calculate, count, or reckon. It is used in mathematics, science, finance, and everyday language whenever numbers or estimates are involved. The common collocation reikna út is used to indicate computing a value or result, as in asking for a calculation or presenting a computed figure. The verb can also appear with prefixes, such as útreikna, to convey a thorough or systematic calculation.

Etymology and cognates: Reikna originates in Old Norse and belongs to a family of Germanic words for counting and calculation. It has cognates in other Nordic languages, including Swedish raka (räkna) and Danish regne, which reflect a shared linguistic heritage.

Usage and forms: Reikna is a transitive verb and appears across tenses and moods like other Icelandic verbs. It is common in education, science, and business, where numerical results are needed. Examples: Ég reikna út kostnaðinn fyrir verkefnið. (I calculate the cost for the project.) Hún reiknaði út nýjustu tölurnar. (She calculated the latest numbers.)

Related terms: The noun reikningur refers to arithmetic or calculation, and útreikningur denotes a computed result or calculation. Reiknivél means calculator. The prefix útreikna is used to emphasize the act of calculating something in detail or to obtain a result.