GRAMMAR

Before we return to "tá" next week, we will look at another use for "is" (is). Irish speakers often make a statement stronger by "is". For example, instead of saying "Táan lágo breá" (taw* un law* goh bir-RAW), meaning "the day is fine", they will say "Nach breáan láé?" (nahk* bir-RAW* un law* ay*), Isn't it a fine day? The answer is "Is breá, go deimhin" (is bir-RAW* goh DEYE-in), It's fine, certainly.

Here are some examples to repeat until you understand how the Irish do this:

Nach fliuch an aimsirí?" (nahk* flyuk* un EYEM-sheer ee)

Is fliuch, go deimhin (is flyuk* goh DEYE-in), It is indeed wet.

Is deas an cailíní(is das un kah-LEEN ee), She's a pretty girl.

Is deas, go deimhin, She is indeed pretty.

Is mór an fearé(is mohr un far ay*), He's a big man.

Is mór, gan amhras (is mohr, guhn OU-ruhs), He's big, without a doubt.

Nach fada an bótharéseo? (nahk* FAH-duh un BOH-uhr ay* shuh), Isn't this a long road?

Is fada, go cinnte (is FAH-duh, goh KIN-te), It's long, certainly.

Nídona an láé(nee DUH-nuh un law* ay*), It's not a bad day.

Nídona, ar chor ar bith (nee DUH-nuh, er HUHR er BI), it's not bad at all.

This last sentence pair shows you how to disagree with the original statement or question. For example:

Nach fuar an láé? Nífuar, ar chor ar bith, ach té.

Note that in all sentences above, the verb "tá" could have been used, as in "Táan aimsir fliuch." Irish speakers like variety, however, and often think that "Táan aimsir fliuch" will sound flat and dull. They say "Nach fliuch an aimsirí?" instead.

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