svona

Svona is an Icelandic word that functions primarily as an adverb meaning in this way, thus, or like this. It is used to indicate manner or degree and is common in everyday speech. In some contexts it can also operate as a determiner, signaling “this kind of” or “such,” though this usage is more informal and less frequent in formal writing.

As a particle, svona typically precedes or attaches to the word it modifies to emphasize manner or intensity. It is invariable and does not change with gender or number. In colloquial speech it often strengthens statements about extent or quality, conveying a sense of immediacy or emphasis comparable to phrases like “this much” or “so.”

Svona appears across Icelandic dialects and registers, from casual conversation to informal written text. In more formal contexts, speakers may opt for alternative constructions that are more precise for the intended nuance, but svona remains a common and versatile option for everyday expression.

Phonology and orthography are straightforward in standard Icelandic; svona is typically pronounced with two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is related to other demonstratives in the language that convey proximity and manner, contributing to its frequent use in descriptive and evaluative speech.

See also: Icelandic language, demonstratives, degree adverbs.