tá mé
The Irish phrase for "I am" is tá mé.
tá mé is used for states. It is not used for permanent identity or defining who you are.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase tá mé, the verb tá (to be) precedes the pronoun mé (I).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between using tá mé and the phrase is mise. While tá mé is used for states (e.g., 'I am hungry'), is mise is used for permanent identity or defining who you are (e.g., 'I am Seán').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Ulster dialect of Irish, the form Táim is used. This is a contraction of tá mé and carries the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Irish, the verb tá precedes the pronoun mé in this phrase.
Did you know?
- If you use tá mé to introduce yourself by name, such as 'tá mé Seán', a native speaker will think you are describing a temporary state of being 'Seán' rather than stating your name.
- While tá mé refers to temporary states, the identity phrase is mise is used for permanent roles, such as stating 'I am a doctor' or 'I am the father'.
- The word mé has roots stretching back to Old Irish, maintaining its position as the first-person singular pronoun for over a millennium.
Examples in context
- Tá mé tinn.I am sick.This sentence shows how to use tá mé to describe a physical state.Tatoeba #5015864 by cailleachnangadhair, translation #436427 by lukaszpp
- Tá mé go maith.I am well.This sentence shows how to use tá mé to describe a state of being well.Tatoeba #651184 by cl, translation #574624 by Zac2333
- Tá mé ag snámh in abhainn.I am swimming in a river.This sentence shows how to use tá mé to describe an ongoing action.Tatoeba #4273994 by pinkfreud, translation #4273596 by abeskies
- Tá mé ag obair sa bainc.I am working in the bank.
- Tá mé ag dul go dtí an siopa.I'm going to the shop.
- Tá mé i mo chónaí sa Spáinn.I am living in Spain.
- Tá mé an-sásta leis an scéal sin.I am very happy with that news.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Cian and Niamh are meeting for coffee.
- CianDia duit, Niamh! Conas atá tú?Hello, Niamh! How are you?
- NiamhTá mé go hiontach, a Chian. Agus tú?I am wonderful, Cian. And you?
- CianTá mé tuirseach an láI am tired today.
- NiamhÓ, an bhfuil tú ag obair?Oh, are you working?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
