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.  

am bòrd (m)
the table
an leabaidh (f)
the bed
a' chathair (f)
the chair
an coire (m)
the kettle
am preas (m)
the cupboard
an t-amar (m)
the bath
am frasair (m)
the shower
an àmhainn (f)
the oven
an taigh (m)
the house
an uinneag (f)
the window
an t-sòfa (f)
the sofa
an doras (f)
the door
an teine (m)
the fire

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) 

Feòrag
A squirrel
An fheòrag
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 
Summary table showing the definite article for feminine nouns 
Letter | Litir Definite article | Alt Example | Eisimpleir 
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