klukkan — meaning in English: the clock

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Guess the translation for the clock

klukkan

fordómar

klæði

óskyggni

sjálfur

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'klukkan' when discussing time, whether in casual conversation or when making plans. For instance, you might hear it in a sentence like, 'Hvað er klukkan?' (What time is it?) when meeting a friend or during a more formal setting like a meeting.

Synonyms & nuances

'Klukkan' specifically refers to the clock or the time it shows, while 'tími' translates to 'time' more generally. Use 'klukkan' when you want to specify the instrument used for telling time versus discussing the broader concept of time itself.

Culture

'Klukkan' comes from Old Norse 'klukkr' meaning 'bell', referring to the bell-like sound of clocks in earlier times. In Iceland, timekeeping has a cultural significance, with many locals valuing punctuality and the precise timing of events, which reflects their connection to nature and the environment.

FAQ

Q.How do I ask for the time in Icelandic?

'Hvað er klukkan?' is the standard way to ask for the time in Icelandic. You can also say, 'Geturðu sagt mér hvað klukkan er?' which means 'Can you tell me what time it is?'

Q.Is 'klukkan' used in formal writing?

'Klukkan' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal documents, it's common to specify time using 'klukkan' when indicating schedules or deadlines.

Q.What is the grammatical gender of 'klukkan'?

'Klukkan' is feminine in Icelandic, so you would use feminine articles and adjectives in sentences that refer to it. For example, 'Þetta er góð klukkan' translates to 'This is a good clock.'

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Icelandic Vocabulary