This is the 118th most frequent Icelandic word.
annars
The Icelandic word "annars" means "otherwise" or "else" in English.
Here, 'annars' is used as a conjunction meaning 'otherwise', indicating potential consequences if the prior clause does not hold true.
Ég þarf að fara núna, annars verð ég of sein.
I need to leave now, otherwise I'll be too late.
In this sentence, 'annars' implies an alternate situation or exception, often translated as 'otherwise' to indicate a counterpoint to other discussed qualities.
Hún var annars mjög kurteis í símanum.
She was otherwise very polite on the phone.
Here, 'annars' is employed in a casual conversational tone to transition to a new topic or question, often implying 'by the way' or 'incidentally' in English.