téigh
/tʲeːɟ/
The English verb "go" is translated into Irish as téigh.
The verb is used to describe moving through space, typically from one location to another.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form téigh serves as both the infinitive ("to go") and the imperative (a command) in many contexts. For the present tense, such as when saying "he goes" or "they go", use the form téann.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʲeːɟ/
When do people say it?
While téigh refers to physical movement, the phrase Abair! is used to signal encouragement, similar to saying "go on" or "speak up" in English.
Did you know?
- The word téigh is a homonym in Irish and can also mean 'warms' or 'heats' depending on the context.
- In many dialects, the past tense of 'go' is not just one word, but can change between chuaigh and deachaigh depending on how the word is used in a sentence.
- In Ulster Irish, the third person singular form of 'go' is often téid or théid, which differs from the forms used in other dialects.
Examples in context
- Téigh trasna an bhóthair.Go across the road/Cross the road.This sentence is useful for practicing the command form téigh.
- Téigh ar aghaidh!Go ahead!
- Gluais go dtí an doras, más é do thoil é.Go to the door, please
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are deciding who will check the mail.
- CathalAn féidir leat téigh go dtí an phost?Can you go to the post?
- SiobhánTéigh tú féin, tá mé gnóth.Go yourself, I am busy.
- CathalTéigh go hiontach, Siobhán!Go great, Siobhán!
- SiobhánTéigh anall as mo radharc!Go away from my sight!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries téigh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries téigh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
