Endilega

Endilega is like tao: so vibes-based as to defy definition or explanation. So my approach in this article will be vibes-based as well. 

Endilega can convey a few different vibes, each of which may be translated into English with a few different words, and we’ll go through them vibe-by-vibe, instead of translation-by-translation. To convey the vibes properly, let’s have a bunch more examples than usual. Vibes.

Enthusiasm

I would say that the “core” meaning of endilega is for expressing enthusiasm. This can be translated into English with any number of words, depending on context and nuance, such as really, definitely, I’d love, do, or even please. This is heavily vibes based, so the best way to wrap your head around it is just with lots of examples.

• Við verðum endilega að hittast bráðlega = We really should meet up soon.
• Komdu endilega í heimsókn bráðum = Do come over for a visit soon!
• Skipuleggjendur vilja endilega heyra frá fleiri aðilum sem eru tilbúnir að taka að sér að grilla fyrir sína götu = Organisers really want to hear from more people willing to take on barbecue duties for their street.
• Borðaðu nú meira: ég vil endilega losna við eitthvað af þessum mat = Eat some more: I would love to get rid of some of this food.
• Ég myndi endilega fá tíma hjá barnalækni = I’d really like an appointment with a pediatrician.
• Ég vil endilega að hann haldi áfram að sofna bara sjálfur = I’d love for him to keep falling asleep by himself.
• Ég vil endilega fá að hjálpa þér = I really want to help you.

Please

If endilega can translate as please, why do Icelanders so often say that there’s no word for please? Because there really is no good translation for the most canonical use of please, making polite requests (can I have some coffee, please?). Remember that the core vibe of endilega isn’t politeness: it’s enthusiasm.

In spoken language, an English speaker would convey this with the tone of their voice. In written language, it’s kind of like a built-in smiley face =).

Endilega is used for enthusiastic and polite acceptance.

• "Viltu kaffi?" "Endilega!" = “Do you want some coffee?” “Please =)”

Endilega is used for enthusiastic and polite commands.

• Endilega látið vita hvort þið ætlið að koma = Please RSVP =)
• Ef þú hefur áhuga mátt þú endilega senda okkur línu á obviously@fakeeamail.com= If you’re interested please drop us a line at obviously@fakeemail.com =)

Endilega is NOT used for polite requests. Instead, you use a pleasant or kind tone of voice, use verbs that imply choice, and even the past subjunctive. I’ll write an article on politeness soon.

• Get ég fengið kaffi? = Can I have some coffee, please?
• Gæti ég fengið kaffi? = Could I have some coffee, please?

Emphasis

Emphasis is sort of related to enthusiasm, but distinct enough in vibes that I figured that these examples merited their own heading. This can be translated into English with words like do, or go ahead.

• Ef þú hefur áhyggjur, hringdu endilega í þína heilsugæslu = If you’re worried, do call your local clinic.
• Ég er ekki viss, en endilega haltu þessu áfram ef að þér og barninu þínu líður vel = I’m not sure, but go ahead and keep it up if you and your child feel good.
• Endilega fáðu þér vagn sem er með stór loftdekk = Do get a stroller with good air tires.

Opposition

In addition to enthusiasm, endilega can also convey something rather like opposition. In this sense, it can be translated with words like necessarily, have to, just because, or absolutely.

• Þú getur verið með gæðakerfi án þess að það sé endilega vottað af þriðja aðila = You can have a quality system without it necessarily being signed off on by a third party.
• Þau geta bara búið til barn sjálf ef þau þurfa endilega að skipta sér af = They can just have their own kid if they absolutely have to get involved.
• Þarf þetta endilega að vera svona stórt? = Does this really have to be so big?
• Ég er ekki endilega að segja að þú hafir rangt fyrir þér = I'm not necessarily saying you're wrong.
• Þó að hann sé gamall kall þarf hann ekki endilega að hafa alrangt fyrir sér! = Just because he’s an old man he doesn’t have to be entirely wrong!

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