segja — meaning in English: say

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for say

segja

Fimmtudagur

sagnfræði

Átta

munur

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Icelandic for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers of Icelandic frequently use the word 'segja' in everyday conversation to express opinions or relay information. For instance, during a casual chat at a café, someone might say, 'Ég segi að veðrið sé frábært,' meaning 'I say that the weather is wonderful.' It can also be heard in formal settings, such as news broadcasts where reporters might say, 'Sérfræðingar segja að...' meaning 'Experts say that...'.

Synonyms & nuances

'Segja' is often compared to 'fræða,' which means 'to inform' or 'to educate.' While 'segja' can be used in a wide variety of contexts, 'fræða' is more specific to imparting knowledge or information on a subject. You might choose 'segja' in casual conversations and 'fræða' in educational or formal contexts.

Culture

'Segja' has its roots in Old Norse, where the verb conveyed a sense of expressing thoughts or words. In Icelandic culture, communication is vital, and the act of 'saying' carries weight—often reflecting the deep connections in communities, where storytelling plays a significant role. This word embodies the essence of dialogue in a country known for its rich literary tradition.

FAQ

Q.What is the meaning of 'segja' in English?

'Segja' translates to 'say' in English and is used to express verbal communication or thoughts.

Q.How do you conjugate 'segja' in Icelandic?

'Segja' is conjugated as follows: ég segi (I say), þú segir (you say), hann/hún segir (he/she says), and við segjum (we say).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'segja'?

One common mistake is confusing 'segja' with 'speak.' While 'segja' means 'to say,' 'tala' is used for 'to speak,' so be mindful of the context in which you use each term.

Learn icelandic with Maspeak →

Icelandic Vocabulary