sùilean Èireannach
The English phrase "irish eyes" is translated into Gaelic as sùilean Èireannach.
This phrase refers to the eyes of a person from Ireland.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase sùilean Èireannach, the adjective Èireannach does not change its form to agree with the plural noun sùilean.
Did you know?
- The word sùilean is used in Gaelic to refer to both a person's eyes and a 'spring' or 'source' of water. This dual meaning allows poets to describe eyes as flowing or natural sources of life.
- The adjective Èireannach is a direct relative of the English name 'Erin', which is a poetic personification of Ireland used frequently in song and literature.
- The word Èireannach is a cognate of the Manx word Erinagh, reflecting a shared ancestry within the Goidelic branch of the Celtic language family.
Example conversation
Finlay and Isla are discussing their family ancestry.
- FinlayTha sùilean Èireannach agam, Isla.I have Irish eyes, Isla.
- IslaTha iad glan agus gorm.They are clear and blue.
- FinlayTha mo sheanair cuideachd sùilean Èireannach agaidh.My grandmother also had Irish eyes.
- IslaTha sin gu math inntinneach.That is very interesting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Èireannach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
