i
The Irish word for "in" is i.
i is a preposition used to indicate that something is contained by a space or a location.
Meaning: contained by (prep)
Which one should you use?
While i describes being contained within a space, the word isteach is used to describe the motion of moving into that space.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When i precedes a noun starting with a vowel, an n is inserted between the preposition and the noun (i n…). Before a singular feminine noun, in is expressed as san.
Did you know?
- The phrase i ndiaidh uses the preposition i to mean 'after' or 'following', moving the meaning from spatial containment to chronological sequence.
- The word i is used to express the state of being 'in love', as in the phrase i ngrá.
- The form san is actually a contraction of i and the definite article an, meaning it specifically translates to 'in the'.
Examples in context
- Ghearr sé an úll ina dhá leath.He cut the apple in half.This example shows how to use i to describe something being cut into parts.Tatoeba #4062793 by tinybat, translation #1060028 by Trailsend
- Tá páirc álainn i lár an bhaile.There is a beautiful park in the center of the town.This example uses i to indicate a location within a specific area.Tatoeba #5015987 by cailleachnangadhair, translation #5678800 by zzxjoanw
- An féidir leat tú féin a chuir in iúl i gcúpla focal?Can you introduce yourself in a few words?This example demonstrates the use of i within a common idiomatic expression.Tatoeba #4062795 by tinybat, translation #4060430 by B_C
- Tá an leabhar i mo mhálaThe book is in my bag
- Tá an t-iasc ins an farraigeThe fish is in the sea
- Tá an t-úll san áitThe apple is in the place
- Tá siad sna rangannaThey are in the classes
- Tá na cait sna titheThe cats are in the houses
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Cathal and Saoirse are looking for a lost key.
- CathalAn bhfuil an eochair i mbagál?Is the key in the bag?
- SaoirseNíl sí i mbagál, Cathal.It is not in the bag, Cathal.
- CathalAn bhfuil sí i ngéata?Is it in the gate?
- SaoirseTá sí i ngéata anois!It is in the gate now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
