is Éireannach mé
/(i)sˠ ˈeːɾʲən̪ˠəx mʲeː/word by word
The English phrase "I am irish" is translated into Irish as is Éireannach mé.
is Éireannach mé is used as a statement to express that one's nationality is Irish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the copula is to link the subject mé (I) with the predicate Éireannach (Irish).
How do you pronounce it?
/(i)sˠ ˈeːɾʲən̪ˠəx mʲeː/
Did you know?
- The root of the word Éireannach is Éireann, which is the Irish name for Ireland, meaning 'the land of the descendants of Ériu'.
- Because Irish has multiple ways to say 'I am', using the copula is here specifically defines the speaker's essence or permanent identity as Irish.
- While is Éireannach mé is a statement of identity, adding the word go before it creates a different emphasis, often used to insist on one's identity in a debate.
Examples in context
- Is Éireannach mé ó Chorcaigh.I am Irish from Cork.
Example conversation
Two people meet for the first time at a party.
- ConorDia duit, Conor is ainm dom.Hello, my name is Conor.
- SiobhánDia duit, Conor. An as Éirinn tú?Hello, Conor. Are you from Ireland?
- ConorTá, is Éireannach mé.Yes, I am Irish.
- SiobhánGo hiontach, is Éireannach mé freasa.Great, I am Irish as well.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (is, Éireannach, mé) and can differ in connected speech.
