If you’re learning Irish and want to know how to say “half past” when telling the time, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept in Irish. Whether you’re visiting Ireland or simply interested in the language, knowing how to say “half past” will greatly enhance your ability to communicate and understand the Irish culture. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Half Past” in Irish
In formal contexts, such as when speaking to older individuals or in official settings, these are the common phrases used to express “half past” in Irish:
1. Leathuair tar éis
The phrase “leathuair tar éis” is typically used when saying “half past” in a formal context. It directly translates to “half an hour after” in English. Here’s an example:
Tá sé leathuair tar éis a sé. (It is half past six.)
2. Leathuair ina dhiaidh
Another formal way to say “half past” in Irish is “leathuair ina dhiaidh,” which means “half an hour later.” Here’s an example of how it can be used:
Tá sé leathuair ina dhiaidh a hocht. (It is half past eight.)
Informal Ways to Say “Half Past” in Irish
In more casual or everyday conversations, the following phrases are commonly used to express the concept of “half past”:
1. Leathuair tar éis a sé
In informal contexts, speakers often drop the pronoun “it” and simply say “leathuair tar éis a sé” to mean “half past six.” Here’s an example:
Tá sé leathuair tar éis a sé. (It is half past six.)
2. Tar éis a sé
An even more casual way to say “half past” in Irish is by using the phrase “tar éis a sé,” which directly translates to “after six.” However, it is understood as “half past six” in informal conversation. Here’s an example:
Tá sé tar éis a sé. (It is half past six.)
Regional Variations
It’s worth mentioning that Irish phrases for telling the time can vary slightly across different regions of Ireland. Though the formal and informal expressions mentioned above are widely understood, here are a couple of regional variations:
1. Leathuair chugainn
In some parts of Ireland, especially in Connacht, you might come across the phrase “leathuair chugainn” to mean “half past.” This variation is less commonly used but still understood by Irish speakers. Here’s an example:
Tá sé leathuair chugainn a naoi. (It is half past nine.)
2. Deartha go leith
Another regional variation found mainly in Ulster is “deartha go leith.” This phrase can also be used to refer to “half past” in a more informal context. Here’s an example:
Tá sé deartha go leith a seacht. (It is half past seven.)
Tips for Using “Half Past” in Irish
When using these phrases to express “half past” in Irish, keep the following tips in mind:
- Remember to use the correct form of the verb “to be” (tá) followed by the time expression.
- Irish numbers may undergo lenition or other changes when combined with certain words. Familiarize yourself with these changes to ensure accurate usage.
- To ask someone “What time is it?” in Irish, you can say “Cén t-am é?” or “Cén t-am atá ann?”
- Keep practicing the phrases in different contexts to improve your fluency in telling the time in Irish.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to say “half past” in both formal and informal ways in Irish. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase according to the context and familiarity with the person you are speaking to. Understanding and using these time expressions will provide you with a valuable skill when communicating in Irish and deepen your connection with the language and culture. Enjoy your language learning journey, and may you continue to explore the beauty of the Irish language!
