Cúpla Focal: A couple of Irish Gaelic words
At Birmingham Irish, we feel that the beautiful language of Gaelic is an extraordinary gift that should be passed down from generation to generation with immense pride. This very reason is behind our language column, Cúpla Focal, meaning, a couple of Irish Gaelic words.
It’s holiday time! (Laethanta Saoire) so let’s look at some Irish words that will help you through:
We’ll begin with a few names of countries in Irish:
Éire – Ireland (You’ll know that one!)
Sasana – England (Another one you might know!)
Albain – Scotland
An Bhreatain Bheag – Wales (literally, Little Britain)
An Fhrainc - France
An Spáinn - Spain
An Iodáil – Italy
Meiriceá – America
Na Stáit Aontaithe – The United States
An tSín – China
An tSeapáin – Japan
Notice many, but not all, countries in Irish have an, the definite article, (the in English) at the beginning. Learn them with the an.
An = the in English. An Madra = the dog
Na is the plural form. Na madraí = the dogs
Now for nationalities:
Éireannach = Irish person
Sasanach = English person
Albanach = Scottish person
Breatnach = Welsh person
Francach = French person
Spáinneach = Spanish person
Iodálach = Italian person
Meiriceánach – American person
Síneach = Chinese person
Seapanach = Japanese person
Cé as thú? (pronounced: Kay ass hoo) = Where are you from?
Is as Éire mé = I’m from Ireland
But to tell someone your nationality you would say:
Is Éireannach mé = I’m Irish
Is Sasanach mé = I’m English
This month, we have lots of new vocabulary to learn, and next month we will learn more phrases about holidays. In the meantime, Bain sult as do laethanta Saoire (Enjoy your holidays!)
New classes in Irish will be beginning on Zoom in September. If you would like to join us, please do let us know by emailing jennifer@birish.org.uk. All levels are welcome and it’s all free!
