🇮🇸 Icelandic phrases

How to Say "What does this mean?" in Icelandic

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Hvað þýðir þetta?
"What does this mean?" in Icelandic · say it like khvath thee-dhir thet-ta

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in Icelandic is Hvað þýðir þetta?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Hvað er þetta?
Used when asking about something specific.
Hvað á þetta að þýða?
More formal, often used in written contexts.

When to use it

Use this phrase when you encounter something unclear or confusing. It can be used in both casual and formal settings. It's a straightforward way to seek clarification in conversation.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Icelandic

IcelandicEnglish
Hvað þýðir þetta í íslensku?What does this mean in Icelandic?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'hvað' with 'hvernig', which means 'how'.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Hvað þýðir þetta?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Icelandic with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?

Yes, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Learn Icelandic by speaking it

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