It’s holiday time! (Laethanta Saoire) so let’s look at some Irish words that will help you through:

We’ll begin with a few names of countries in Irish:

Éire – Ireland (You’ll know that one!)

Sasana – England (Another one you might know!)

Albain – Scotland

An Bhreatain Bheag – Wales (literally, Little Britain)

An Fhrainc - France

An Spáinn - Spain

An Iodáil – Italy

Meiriceá – America

Na Stáit Aontaithe – The United States

An tSín – China

An tSeapáin – Japan

Notice many, but not all, countries in Irish have an, the definite article, (the in English) at the beginning. Learn them with the an.

An = the in English. An Madra = the dog

Na is the plural form. Na madraí = the dogs

Now for nationalities:

Éireannach = Irish person

Sasanach = English person

Albanach = Scottish person

Breatnach = Welsh person

Francach = French person

Spáinneach = Spanish person

Iodálach = Italian person

Meiriceánach – American person

Síneach = Chinese person

Seapanach = Japanese person

Cé as thú? (pronounced: Kay ass hoo) = Where are you from?

Is as Éire mé = I’m from Ireland

But to tell someone your nationality you would say:

Is Éireannach mé = I’m Irish

Is Sasanach mé = I’m English

This month, we have lots of new vocabulary to learn, and next month we will learn more phrases about holidays. In the meantime, Bain sult as do laethanta Saoire (Enjoy your holidays!)

New classes in Irish will be beginning on Zoom in September. If you would like to join us, please do let us know by emailing jennifer@birish.org.uk. All levels are welcome and it’s all free!