HeyRuaHow to say “choice” in Irish
- Irish:
- tofa
- English:
- choice, elected
- Word type:
- adjective
- Choicer:
- níos tofa
- Choicest:
- is tofa
- Pronunciation:
- “TUFF-a” /ˈt̪ˠɔfˠə/
What does “tofa” mean?
“Tofa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- choice
- Of the best quality, specially picked out as excellent.Also: select, excellent, first-rate, hand-picked.
1 other meaning: elected
- 2elected
- Chosen by vote, as of a member or representative.Also: chosen, selected.
“Tofa” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is tofa after comhalta (member, masculine), after banaltra (nurse, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: banaltra thofa. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: comhalta tofa.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, tofa. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: banaltraí tofa.
Choicer, choicest, very choice
| choicer | níos tofa | in the past tense: ní ba thofa |
|---|---|---|
| choicest | is tofa | in the past tense: ba thofa |
| as choice as | chomh tofa le | no change after chomh |
| very choice | an-tofa | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too choice | róthofa | ró- lenites |
“Tofa” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Choice in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for choice?
The Irish for choice is tofa (pronounced “TUFF-a”). It comes after the noun: comhalta tofa, a choice member; banaltra thofa, a choice nurse.
How do you say choicer and choicest in Irish?
níos tofa is choicer and is tofa is choicest. In the past tense they become ní ba thofa and ba thofa.
Why does tofa become thofa?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So banaltra thofa (a choice nurse) but comhalta tofa (a choice member), because comhalta is masculine.
How do you say very choice in Irish?
an-tofa. Too choice is róthofa, and as choice as is chomh tofa le.
Does tofa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tofa can mean choice or elected, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How is 'tofa' related to 'togha'?
'Tofa' is the verbal adjective of 'togh' (choose, elect), and 'togha' is the noun meaning 'the pick, the best', as in 'togha fir' (a choice man).
How do I say 'elected member' in Irish?
Use 'comhalta tofa', the standard term in official documents.
