clár ama
masculine
The English word 'timetable' is translated into Irish using several forms, most commonly clár ama. Wiktionary also lists tráthchlár and amchlár.
Meaning: a structured schedule of events (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tráthchlár | /ˈt̪ˠɾˠɑːˌxl̪ˠɑːɾˠ/ (Munster) /ˈt̪ˠɾˠɑːˌxlˠɑːɾˠ/ (Connacht) /ˈt̪ˠɾˠɑːˌxl̪ˠɑːɾˠ/ (Connacht) /ˈt̪ˠɾˠaːˌxlˠaːɾˠ/ (Ulster) /ˈt̪ˠɾˠaːˌxl̪ˠaːɾˠ/ (Ulster) |
masculine |
| clár ama | masculine | |
| amchlár | masculine |
All three forms are masculine nouns used to describe a structured schedule of events.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase clár ama literally means 'table of time', where clár means 'table' or 'board' and ama means 'time'. The compound tráthchlár combines tráth, meaning 'time' or 'occasion', with clár'.
Which one should you use?
Clár ama is the most common way to refer to a general schedule or timetable, whereas tráthchlár is often used in more formal or technical contexts. Amchlár serves as an alternative single-word compound for the same meaning.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase clár ama, clár serves as the head noun while ama acts as a modifier.
Did you know?
- The term amchlár is a linguistic 'calque', meaning it was constructed by translating the English word 'timetable' directly into Irish components.
- In Irish, the word clár can refer to a 'program' of events, such as a concert program. This makes a timetable not just a list of times, but a curated plan of action.
- In some contexts, clár can also refer to a 'map' or a 'plan', showing how the concept of a 'flat surface' expands into a 'structured layout' in Irish.
Examples in context
- Molaimid duit an clár ama a sheiceáil.We recommend checking the timetable.
- An bhfuil clár ama an scoil ar an líne?Is the school timetable online?
Example conversation
Aoife and Conor are talking about their classes at college.
- AoifeConor, an bhfuil an clár ama agat?Conor, do you have the timetable?
- ConorTá, tá sé anseo orm.Yes, I have it here.
- AoifeCén uair a thosaíonn an chéad choinnire?What time does the first session start?
- ConorTosaíonn sé ag aon aon ó cheathróir.It starts at quarter past one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “timetable” translations and entries tráthchlár, clár ama, amchlár, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ama, amchlár, clár, tráthchlár, CC BY-SA 4.0.
