an t-iardheisceart
The Irish word for the compass point southwest is an t-iardheisceart.
an t-iardheisceart is used to denote the direction or compass point of southwest.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of iar (west) and deisceart (south).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the definite article an with an t-iardheisceart, a t- prefix is triggered because the compound begins with a vowel sound.
Did you know?
- In Irish folklore, the 'west' iar is often associated with the 'Otherworld' or the land of the dead, as the sun sets in that direction.
- The word deisceart shares an ancient root with the English word 'dexter', which refers to the right hand.
- In ancient Celtic geography, directions were often determined by facing the rising sun, making the 'south' deisceart the side of the right hand.
Examples in context
- Conas a dhéanfainn mo bhealach go dtí an deisceart thiar?How do I get to the southwest?
- Tá an obair sin ar siúl i gceantar an deiscirt thiarThat work is taking place in the southwest area.
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are looking at a map of Ireland.
- CathalCá bhfuil an cathair seo?Where is this city?
- SiobhánTá sí i n an t-iardheisceart.It is in the southwest.
- CathalAn bhfuil sé i gcéin?Is it far away?
- SiobhánNí hea, tá sé gar an t-iardheisceart.No, it is near the southwest.
