The definite article
An t-alt
We have already learnt common household items, but let’s learn them with the article and their gender and then we will break it down.
Is the noun masculine and does it start with a vowel ?
The noun takes an-t as the definite article.
Amar -> an t-amar
Is the noun masculine and does it start with a b, f, m or p ?
The noun takes am as the definite article.
Bòrd -> am bòrd
Does the masculine noun start with any other letter ?
The noun takes an as the definite article.
Taigh -> an taigh
Is the noun feminine and does it start with a f ?
The noun takes an as the definite article and it lenites .
Feòrag -> an fheòrag
(a squirrel -> the squirrel)
Is the noun feminine and does it start with a b, c, g, m or p ?
The noun takes a’ as the definite article and it lenites .
cathair -> a’ chathair
Is the noun feminine and does it start with a sl, sn, sr or s + vowel ?
The noun takes an t- as the definite article.
sòfa -> an t-sòfa
Does the feminine noun start with any other letter ?
The noun takes an as the definite article.
àmhainn -> an àmhainn
Summary table showing the definite article for masculine nouns
Letter | Litir | Definite article | Alt | Example | Eisimpleir |
A E I O U | an t- | an t-amar |
B M F P | am | am preas |
C D G L N R S T | an | an taigh |
Letter | Litir | Definite article | Alt | Example | Eisimpleir |
F | an + lenition | an fheòrag |
B C G M P | a’ + lenition | a’ chathair |
A E I O U D L N R SG, SP, SM, T | an | an àmhainn |
S+ vowel, SL, SN, SR | an t- | an t-sòfa |