skylda

Skylda is an Icelandic noun meaning duty, obligation, or responsibility. It is used to describe actions or roles that a person is required to perform by law, social norms, or moral expectation. In everyday speech and formal discourse, skylda can denote both civic duties and personal obligations, such as fulfilling promises or paying taxes.

Etymology: The term derives from Old Norse skyld, meaning debt or obligation, with the Icelandic suffix -a forming a feminine noun. It is related to cognate terms in other Nordic languages that express debt or obligation.

Usage and nuance: Skylda emphasizes an obligation that someone is expected to fulfill, as opposed to voluntary actions. It often appears in legal, political, and ethical contexts and can be discussed alongside related concepts such as responsibility and liability. In translating Icelandic texts, skylda is commonly rendered as “duty,” “obligation,” or “responsibility,” depending on context.

See also: Duty, Obligation, Responsibility. In English-language references, skylda is typically translated to convey the sense of a required moral or legal duty rather than a mere personal preference.