an
/ənˠ/singular
The English word 'the' is translated into Irish as an or na.
Meaning: article (article)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| an | /ənˠ/ /ə/ |
singular |
| na | /n̪ˠə/ | plural |
The form you choose depends entirely on whether the noun being referred to is singular or plural.
Which one should you use?
an is used when referring to a singular noun, while na is used when referring to a plural noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of County Kerry, i or in are used instead of an when referring to a feminine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice between the two forms is determined by number: use an for the singular form of the definite article and na for the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ənˠ/
Did you know?
- In Irish, the definite article is so essential that it often triggers 'lenition', changing the spelling and sound of the word that follows it.
- The word an descends from the Old Irish word in, which originally evolved from the Proto-Celtic root *sindos.
- In some traditional songs and poetry, the article an is omitted or altered to fit the strict rhythmic meters of the verse.
Examples in context
- Ní oibríonn an chlódóir.The printer doesn't work.This example shows how to use an with a singular noun.Tatoeba #4062785 by tinybat, translation #4061552 by CK
- Tá Sami ina suí ar an tolg.Sami is sitting on the couch.Tatoeba #11841352 by Tatoebauser, translation #7190039 by OsoHombre
- Ghearr sé an úll ina dhá leath.He cut the apple in half.Tatoeba #4062793 by tinybat, translation #1060028 by Trailsend
- An seomraThe room
- An múinteoirThe teacher
- An cártaThe card
- Na seomraíThe rooms
- Na múinteoiríThe teachers
- Na cártaíThe cards
- An teachThe house
- 252 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Siobhán and Oisín are looking for a book.
- SiobhánAn bhfuil an leabhar ansin?Is the book there?
- OisínTá an leabhar ar an bord.The book is on the table.
- SiobhánGo raibh maith agat, a Oisín.Thank you, Oisín.
- OisínNí렴 fáilcíste, a Siobhán.You're welcome, Siobhán.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “the” translations and entries an, na, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
