ag damhsa
/ə ˈd̪ˠəusˠə/word by word
The English phrase "dancing" is translated into Irish as ag damhsa.
The term refers to the activity of dancing.
Meaning: activity of dancing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition ag (at) and the verbal noun damhsa (dancing).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Irish, the activity of dancing is expressed using the prepositional phrase ag plus the verbal noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ə ˈd̪ˠəusˠə/
Did you know?
- Irish dance evolved into a global phenomenon where the upper body remains rigid while the legs perform complex movements, a style that distinguishes damhsa from most other European dance traditions.
- The word damhsa is actually a loanword from English or Anglo-Norman, rather than a word of ancient Celtic origin.
- In Irish culture, damhsa was once a primary way to court potential partners, often occurring at 'crossroads dances' before the rise of formal dance halls.
Examples in context
- An maith leat rince?Do you like dancing?
- Is aoibhinn liom rince Gaelach.I love Irish dancing.
- Táim ag foghlaim rince traidisiúnta.I am learning traditional dancing.
- An dtaitníonn damhsa leat?Do you enjoy dancing?
- Tá sé ag dul go dtí an halla le haghaidh rince.He is going to the hall for dancing.
- Táimid ag cómhrá faoi rince.We are talking about dancing.
- Tá sé agus sí ag damhsa le chéile.He and she are dancing together.
Example conversation
Oisín and Niamh are talking about a party.
- OisínAn bhfuil tú ag damhsa anocht, a Niamh?Are you dancing tonight, Niamh?
- NiamhTá, is breá liom ag damhsa!Yes, I love dancing!
- OisínAn féidir liom damhsa leat?Can I dance with you?
- NiamhLe chéile, a Oisín.Together, Oisín.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ag, damhsa) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ag, damhsa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
