Forward in Irish (Tosaí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for forward?

The Irish for forward is tosaí (pronounced “TUS-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaithe. Depending on context it can also mean pioneer.

Q: What is the plural of forward in Irish?

The plural of tosaí is tosaithe; with the article, na tosaithe means “the forwards”. The genitive plural is tosaithe, as in líne na dtosaithe (the forward line).

Q: Does tosaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosaí can mean forward or pioneer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “forward” in Irish

Irish:: tosaí
English:: forward, pioneer
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TUS-ee” /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠiː/

Various forms

Plural:: tosaithe (forwards)
Genitive singular:: tosaí, an tosaí (e.g. cúl an tosaí, the forward's goal)
Genitive plural:: tosaithe, na dtosaithe (e.g. líne na dtosaithe, the forward line)

What does “tosaí” mean?

“Tosaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

forward: A player in an attacking position in a team game such as football or hurling.Also: striker, attacker.

1 other meaning: pioneer

2pioneer: A person who starts something or is among the first to do it.Also: initiator, originator, starter.

“Tosaí” with the article

The plural of forward in Irish is tosaithe. Here is tosaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tosaí

the forward

No change after an

na tosaithe

the forwards

Plural: no change after na

“Tosaí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tosaí, the Irish word for forward.

Is tosaí den scoth í ar an bhfoireann.

She is an excellent forward on the team.

Scóráil an tosaí cúl iontach inné.

The forward scored a brilliant goal yesterday.

Leag cosantóir an tosaí sa chearnóg.

A defender knocked down the forward in the square.

Tá ceathrar tosaithe láidre againn i mbliana.

We have four strong forwards this year.

Imríonn mo dheartháir mar thosaí.

My brother plays as a forward.

Is é an tosaí is fearr sa chontae é.

He is the best forward in the county.

Rinne na tosaithe obair mhaith sa dara leath.

The forwards did good work in the second half.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Forward in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for forward?

The Irish for forward is tosaí (pronounced “TUS-ee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaithe. Depending on context it can also mean pioneer.

How do you pronounce tosaí in Irish?

Tosaí is said like “TUS-ee” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠiː/).

What is the plural of forward in Irish?

The plural of tosaí is tosaithe; with the article, na tosaithe means “the forwards”. The genitive plural is tosaithe, as in líne na dtosaithe (the forward line).

Does tosaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosaí can mean forward or pioneer, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tosaí change to thosaí or dtosaí?

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

What is the difference between tosaí and tosaíocht?

Tosaí is a person, a forward or pioneer, while tosaíocht means priority or precedence, as in tús tosaíochta.

Forward in Irish (Tosaí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage