We first learned in A2 Cuspair 8 that ainmearan cinnteach (definite nouns) are in the genitive (possessive) case following verbal nouns: Am bi thu a’ seinn na pìoba? We saw this again in B1 Cuspair 1 when we say that we are ag ionnsachadh na Gàidhlig (learning Gaelic). When we talk about cruth‑tìre (landscape) and air a’ bhlàr a‑muigh (outdoors), we often use this structure.
As in the other cases, in the genitive (possessive) case, there is a difference in the rules for ainmearan fireann (masculine nouns) and ainmearan boireann (feminine nouns), the biggest difference being with the article: a’ (with lenition) or an for masculine nouns, na (without lenition) for feminine nouns:
Tha an cladach seo brèagha | (m) | Tha mi a’ faicinn a’ chladaich bhon taigh |
This shore is beautiful | (m) | I see/am seeing the shore from the house |
Tha an cuan cho ciùin | (m) | Bidh seòladairean a’ seòladh a’ chuain |
The ocean is so calm | (m) | Sailors sail the ocean |
Tha a’ mhuir farsaing | (f) | Bidh sinn a’ cluinntinn na mara fad na h‑ùine |
The sea is wide | (f) | We hear the sea all the time |
Tha an tràigh faisg air a’ bhaile | (f) | Chan eil mi a’ faicinn na tràghad idir |
The beach is near the town/village | (f) | I don’t see/amn’t seeing the beach at all |
muir (f)
sea
eathar (m)
small boat
cuan (m)
ocean
gainmheach (f)
sand
cabhsair (m)
causeway
fairge (f)
sea
tràigh (f)
beach
cop (m)
foam, froth
muir-làn (m)
high tide
machair (f)
sandy grassland
laimhrig (f)
mooring
muir-tràigh (f)
low tide
geodha (m)
inlet, cove
rubha (m)
headland