HeyRuaHow to say “beginning” in Irish
- Irish:
- tús
- English:
- beginning, first place
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “toos” /t̪ˠuːsˠ/
- Plural:
- túis
- Genitive singular:
- túis, an túis (e.g. ó am an túis, from the time of the beginning)
- Genitive plural:
- tús, na dtús (e.g. am na dtús, the time of the beginnings)
What does “tús” mean?
“Tús” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- beginning
- The point or time at which something starts.Also: start, commencement, outset.
“Tús” with the article
The plural of beginning in Irish is túis. Here is tús after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tús” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tús, the Irish word for beginning.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Beginning in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for beginning?
The Irish for beginning is tús (pronounced “toos”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is túis. Depending on context it can also mean first place.
How do you pronounce tús in Irish?
Tús is said like “toos” (IPA /t̪ˠuːsˠ/).
What is the plural of beginning in Irish?
The plural of tús is túis; with the article, it is na túis. The genitive plural is tús, as in am na dtús (the time of the beginnings).
Does tús have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tús can mean beginning or first place, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tús change to thús or dtús?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tús becomes mo thús (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtús (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to start something' using tús?
Use 'cuir tús le', for example 'chuir siad tús leis an obair', they started the work.
What is the difference between tús and tosach?
Tús is the beginning of something in time or sequence, while tosach usually means the front of something; 'chun tosaigh' means ahead.
