túlkar

Túlkar is an Icelandic word that can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, túlkar is the plural of túlkur and refers to people who translate between languages—interpreters in spoken communication or, less commonly, translators. The singular form túlkur denotes one such person. As a verb, túlkar is the present tense of túlka, meaning "he/she translates" or "interprets." For example, "Hann túlkar fyrir okkur" means "He is translating/interpreting for us."

In everyday use, the distinction between interpretation and translation is reflected in related terms. Túlkur usually designates oral interpreters—those who facilitate real-time communication at meetings, courts, hospitals, or events. Written translation is typically described by the noun þýðing (translation), with the agent form þýðandi used for a translator in some contexts.

The word is native to Icelandic, formed from the verb túlka with the agent suffix -kur, and is closely related to the noun túlkun (interpretation).