Basic Irish Language I

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Module II

Lesson 6: Asking Questions

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In this lesson, we will introduce you to the structure of questions and answers in Irish, including interrogative pronouns and question words.

Questions in Irish

In Irish, questions are formed by changing the word order and adding a question particle at the end of the sentence. The question particle in Irish is “an.” Here are some examples of questions in Irish:

  • An bhfuil tú go maith? (Are you well?) – pronounced “un will too guh mah”
  • Cad é an t-am? (What time is it?) – pronounced “kad ay un tahm”
  • Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? (How are you?) – pronounced “kayn kee un will too”

In the first example, the word order has been changed to put the verb “bhfuil” (are) before the subject “tú” (you), and the question particle “an” has been added at the end. The same applies to the second and third examples.

Interrogative Pronouns

In Irish, interrogative pronouns are used to form questions. Here are some examples of interrogative pronouns in Irish:

  • Cad (What) – pronounced “kad”
  • Cé (Who) – pronounced “kay”
  • Cén (What kind of) – pronounced “kayn”
  • Céard (What) – pronounced “kayrd”
  • Cé mhéad (How much/many) – pronounced “kay vade”

Question Words

In Irish, question words are used to ask questions about specific information. Here are some examples of question words in Irish:

  • Cén fáth? (Why?) – pronounced “kayn faw”
  • Cén áit? (Where?) – pronounced “kayn awt”
  • Céard é an t-ainm? (What is the name?) – pronounced “kayrd ay un tah-nim”

Answers in Irish

In Irish, answers to questions are formed by using a positive or negative statement. Here are some examples of answers in Irish:

  • Tá mé go maith (I am well) – pronounced “taw may guh mah”
  • Níl mé go maith (I am not well) – pronounced “neel may guh mah”

Conclusion

In this lesson, we introduced you to the structure of questions and answers in Irish, including interrogative pronouns and question words. Practice asking and answering questions in Irish using these structures and vocabulary. Keep practicing and exploring the language to deepen your understanding of this fascinating language.