Sofia
The English phrase Sofia is expressed in Irish as Sofia.
Sofia is used to refer to the capital city of Bulgaria.
Meaning: Bulgarian capital (name)
Did you know?
- The Irish language uses a system of 'initial mutations' for many nouns, but because Sofia is a borrowed foreign name, it generally resists the typical 'lenition' or 'eclipsis' that a native Irish word would undergo.
- While Sofia is the name of the city, an Irish speaker referring to the state of Bulgaria uses the word Bulgairia, which adds a vowel ending not found in the English name.
- In Irish, the name Sofia is treated as a feminine noun, which is consistent with its Greek origins meaning 'wisdom'.
Examples in context
- Is cathair iongbháil í Sofia.Sofia is a lovely city.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a planned holiday.
- OisínCá bhfuil tú ag dul ar saoire?Where are you going on holiday?
- SiobhánTáim ag dul go Sofia, an tír sin.I am going to Sofia, that country.
- OisínAn bhfuil Sofia ina cathair mhór?Is Sofia a big city?
- SiobhánTá, is cathair an-álainn í.Yes, it is a very beautiful city.
