ach
/ɑx/
The Irish word for 'but' is ach.
The word 'ach' is used as a conjunction to mean 'but' (as in 'I like it, but it is expensive') as well as 'except' (as in 'everyone but him').
Meaning: except (conj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑx/
Did you know?
- The word ach shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'out', as both derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁eǵʰs.
- Irish speakers often use ach as an interjection to express frustration or a sigh, similar to the English 'alas' or a heavy exhale.
- When used to mean 'except', ach behaves like a preposition, which allows it to appear in positions in a sentence that would be grammatically impossible for the English word 'but'.
Examples in context
- Déanfaidh mé aon rud ach an post sin.I'll do anything but that job.This sentence shows how to use ach to mean 'except'.Tatoeba #7816203 by eo_as, translation #47575 by CM
- Is Éireannach mé ach níl Gaeilge agam.I'm Irish, but I don't speak Irish.This sentence shows how to use ach to mean 'but'.Tatoeba #4521529 by Gaeltacht, translation #4108807 by CK
- Tuigim Breatnais ach níl mé in ann í a labhairt.I understand Welsh, but I can't speak it.Tatoeba #8248859 by SteCymru14, translation #6106015 by mailohilohi
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Conor and Saoirse are discussing what to eat for dinner.
- ConorAn bhfuil tú sásta le pasta?Are you happy with pasta?
- SaoirseNí dítim pasta, ach mothaím pizza.I don't like pasta, but I feel like pizza.
- ConorTá pizza go maith, ach tá sí costasach.Pizza is good, but it is expensive.
- SaoirseIs féidir linn pizza cheap a órdú.We can order a cheap pizza.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “but” translations and entries ach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
