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