Beginning in Irish (Tosach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for beginning?

The Irish for beginning is tosach (pronounced “TUS-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaigh. Depending on context it can also mean front or bow or lead.

Q: What is the plural of beginning in Irish?

The plural of tosach is tosaigh; with the article, it is na tosaigh.

Q: Does tosach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosach can mean beginning, front, bow or lead, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “beginning” in Irish

Irish:: tosach
English:: beginning, front, bow, lead
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “TUS-ukh” /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠəx/

Various forms

Plural:: tosaigh
Genitive singular:: tosaigh, an tosaigh (e.g. suíochán tosaigh, front seat)
Genitive plural:: tosach, na dtosach

What does “tosach” mean?

“Tosach” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

beginning: The start or first part of something, such as an event, period or story.Also: start, commencement, outset.

3 other meanings: front or bow or lead

2front: The front part or front end of something, such as a room, vehicle or queue.Also: front end, fore part.
3bow: The front part of a boat or ship.Also: prow, stem of a boat.
4lead: The leading position, for example in a race or competition.Also: first place, leading position.

Other Irish words for beginning: tús (beginning), tosú (starting)

“Tosach” with the article

The plural of beginning in Irish is tosaigh. Here is tosach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tosach

the beginning

No change after an

na tosaigh

the beginning (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Tosach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tosach, the Irish word for beginning.

Shuigh sí i dtosach an ranga.

She sat at the front of the class.

Léigh mé an leabhar ó thosach go deireadh.

I read the book from beginning to end.

Tá Seán chun tosaigh sa rás.

Seán is in the lead in the race.

Chuaigh an fhoireann chun tosaigh sa dara leath.

The team went ahead in the second half.

Bhí na páistí ina suí sa tosach.

The children were sitting at the front.

Sheas an t-iascaire ar thosach an bháid.

The fisherman stood on the bow of the boat.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Beginning in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for beginning?

The Irish for beginning is tosach (pronounced “TUS-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaigh. Depending on context it can also mean front or bow or lead.

How do you pronounce tosach in Irish?

Tosach is said like “TUS-ukh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠəx/).

What is the plural of beginning in Irish?

The plural of tosach is tosaigh; with the article, it is na tosaigh.

Does tosach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosach can mean beginning, front, bow or lead, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tosach change to thosach or dtosach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tosach becomes mo thosach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtosach (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'tosach' and 'tús'?

Both mean beginning, but 'tús' is used only for time or start, while 'tosach' also means the physical front, as in 'tosach an tí'.

How do I say 'in the lead' or 'ahead'?

Use 'chun tosaigh', for example 'Tá siad chun tosaigh' means they are ahead.

Beginning in Irish (Tosach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage