mo theaghlach
In Irish, 'my family' is said as mo theaghlach.
The phrase is used to refer to the group of people who are related to a person.
Which one should you use?
While mo theaghlach is a formal option, mo chlann is a straightforward and widely used phrase for 'my family'. In casual situations, you might use mo chlann-sa to add emphasis or distinction or the informal phrase mo mhuintir féin to mean 'my own family'.
Did you know?
- Historically, the term theaghlach defined a family by the shared hearth and roof, allowing for non-blood relatives to be considered immediate family.
- While mo chlann means 'my family', the word clann is the root of the English word 'clan'. In Irish, it specifically refers to offspring or children as well as the broader family group.
- The word mhuintir in the phrase mo mhuintir féin originally referred to a 'people' or a 'community' as a whole. Using it for family implies a sense of belonging to a specific clan or group.
Examples in context
- Is mór mo theaghlach.My family is big.
- Is iad seo mo theaghlach.These are my family.
Example conversation
Aoife and Cathal are talking about their relatives.
- AoifeAn bhfuil mo theaghlach iad?Is that my family?
- CathalTá, tá iad go léir ansin.Yes, they are all there.
- AoifeTá mo theaghlach thar a bheith sona.My family is very happy.
- CathalIs iontach é sin, a Aoife.That is wonderful, Aoife.
