trì
/tʰɾiː/
The Gaelic word for three is trì. Wiktionary also lists triùir.
Meaning: cardinal number 3 (num)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| trì | /tʰɾiː/ | |
| triùir | /t̪ʰɾuːð/ (Lewis) /t̪ʰɾiuːɾʲ/ |
masculine |
Both forms are used to express the cardinal number 3. triùir is a specific masculine form used when counting masculine nouns.
Which one should you use?
The default form trì is used for feminine nouns or when the gender of the noun is not specified or relevant. In contrast, triùir is the masculine form used specifically when counting masculine nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form triùir is used when counting masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʰɾiː/
Did you know?
- In Gaelic culture, the number three is often associated with the 'three-fold' nature of many traditional myths and storytelling structures.
- The word trì shares an ancient root with the English word 'three' and the Greek word 'treis', as all descend from the same Proto-Indo-European source.
- Many traditional Gaelic blessings and charms use groups of three phrases to create a rhythmic and spiritual balance.
Examples in context
- Tha triùir chloinne aig Tòmas.Tom has three children.This sentence shows how to use triùir when referring to children.Tatoeba #5883819 by Catriona, translation #1025299 by CK
- Chan eil mi ach air dà no trì deochannan òl.I've only had two or three drinks.This sentence demonstrates the use of trì in a general context.Tatoeba #1516310 by Cainntear, translation #553847 by CK
- An ceann trì bliadhna, ràinig mi fileantachd.At the end of three years, I became fluent.This sentence shows how to use trì when referring to a period of years.Tatoeba #5918953 by Catriona, translation #5918954 by Catriona
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angus and Isla are talking about their pets.
- AngusFiadh, cia a rinn thu?Fiadh, what did you do?
- IslaTha trì cait anns an t-siuisean!There are three cats in the cupboard!
- AngusTrì? Cò tha iad?Three? Who are they?
- IslaChan eil mi sure, Angus.I am not sure, Angus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “three” translations and entries trì, triùir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries triùir, trì, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
