upplýstu

Upplýstu is the second-person singular imperative form of the Icelandic verb upplýsa, meaning to inform, enlighten, or clarify. As an imperative, upplýstu is used to give a direct instruction to someone to provide information or to make something clearer.

Etymology and meaning: The verb upplýsa comes from Old Norse roots, with a prefix that conveys emphasis and a base related to lighting or illumination. The sense shift from literal illumination to figurative informing or explaining is common in Nordic languages, and upplýsa therefore carries both a factual and an explanatory nuance.

Usage and grammar: Upplýstu is employed when addressing someone directly in a command or request to inform another person. It typically appears with a direct object or with a prepositional phrase indicating the topic, such as um málið (about the matter) or um eitthvað (about something). Example: Upplýstu mér um málið. This translates roughly to “Inform me about the matter.” The form is appropriate in informal or direct speech; in more formal or cautious contexts, speakers may use alternative constructions to request information.

Related forms and terminology: The corresponding present tense is upplýsir (he/she informs), the past tense is upplýsti, and the past participle is upplýstur. Related nouns include upplýsing (information) and upplýsingu (informing). The term is part of a family of expressions used in journalism, administration, and everyday discourse to request or relay information.

See also: upplýsa, upplýsingar, upplýsingu, Icelandic imperative forms.