coinnigh an creideamh
/ˈkinʲəvʲ ənˠ ˈcɾʲedʲə/word by word
The English phrase 'keep the faith' is expressed in Irish as coinnigh an creideamh.
This phrase is used to encourage someone to continue believing in something or to remain hopeful during a difficult time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb coinnigh (keep), the definite article an (the) and the noun creideamh (faith/belief).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkinʲəvʲ ənˠ ˈcɾʲedʲə/
Did you know?
- The word creideamh shares a common ancient root with the English word 'credit'. Both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to trust' or 'to believe'.
- The verb coinnigh descends from the Old Irish con·gaib, which specifically described the physical act of grasping or clutching an object.
- While English uses 'faith' as a static state, the Irish word creideamh is a verbal noun, meaning it describes the active and ongoing process of 'believing'.
Example conversation
Cian and Siobhán are discussing a difficult work project.
- CianTá an obair seo an-deacair, a Siobhán.This work is very difficult, Siobhán.
- SiobhánTáim sure go nbeidh sé go maith.I am sure it will be fine.
- CianAn mothaíonn tú an hope?Do you feel the hope?
- SiobhánBa epsáil, coinnigh an creideamh, a Chian.Indeed, keep the faith, Cian.
