HeyRuaHow to say “language” in Irish
- Irish:
- teanga
- English:
- language, tongue, tongue (of land, shoe, flame)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TYANG-uh” /ˈtʲaŋə/
- Plural:
- teangacha (languages)
- Genitive singular:
- teanga, na teanga (e.g. cearta teanga, language rights)
- Genitive plural:
- teangacha, na dteangacha (e.g. Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, the Official Languages Act)
What does “teanga” mean?
“Teanga” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- language
- A system of words used by a people or nation to speak and write.Also: tongue, speech.
2 other meanings: tongue or tongue (of land, shoe, flame)
- 2tongue
- The soft movable organ in the mouth used for tasting and speaking.
- 3tongue (of land, shoe, flame)
- Something long and narrow shaped like a tongue, such as a strip of land or the tongue of a shoe.Also: tongue, tongue of land, spit.
“Teanga” with the article
The plural of language in Irish is teangacha. Here is teanga after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Teanga” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using teanga, the Irish word for language.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Language in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for language?
The Irish for language is teanga (pronounced “TYANG-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is teangacha. Depending on context it can also mean tongue or tongue (of land, shoe, flame).
How do you pronounce teanga in Irish?
Teanga is said like “TYANG-uh” (IPA /ˈtʲaŋə/).
What is the plural of language in Irish?
The plural of teanga is teangacha; with the article, na teangacha means “the languages”. The genitive plural is teangacha, as in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (the Official Languages Act).
Does teanga have more than one meaning?
Yes. Teanga can mean language, tongue or tongue (of land, shoe, flame), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does teanga change to theanga or dteanga?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) teanga becomes mo theanga (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dteanga (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'teanga' and 'Gaeilge'?
'Teanga' means any language or the tongue, while 'Gaeilge' is the name of the Irish language specifically: is teanga í an Ghaeilge.
How do I say 'mother tongue' in Irish?
Use 'teanga dhúchais', literally 'language of heritage'; 'máthairtheanga' is also found.
