HeyRuaHow to say “little while” in Irish
- Irish:
- tamaillín
- English:
- little while, short distance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TAM-uh-leen” /ˈt̪ˠamˠəlʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- tamaillíní (little whiles)
- Genitive singular:
- tamaillín, an tamaillín (e.g. i gcaitheamh an tamaillín, during the little while)
- Genitive plural:
- tamaillíní, na dtamaillíní (e.g. fad na dtamaillíní, the length of the little whiles)
What does “tamaillín” mean?
“Tamaillín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- little while
- A short period of time; the diminutive of 'tamall'.Also: short while, moment, bit, short time.
1 other meaning: short distance
- 2short distance
- A short distance or a little way, as in going a little way along a road.Also: little way, short way.
“Tamaillín” with the article
The plural of little while in Irish is tamaillíní. Here is tamaillín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tamaillín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tamaillín, the Irish word for little while.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Little while in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for little while?
The Irish for little while is tamaillín (pronounced “TAM-uh-leen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tamaillíní. Depending on context it can also mean short distance.
How do you pronounce tamaillín in Irish?
Tamaillín is said like “TAM-uh-leen” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠamˠəlʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of little while in Irish?
The plural of tamaillín is tamaillíní; with the article, na tamaillíní means “the little whiles”. The genitive plural is tamaillíní, as in fad na dtamaillíní (the length of the little whiles).
Does tamaillín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tamaillín can mean little while or short distance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tamaillín change to thamaillín or dtamaillín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tamaillín becomes mo thamaillín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtamaillín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tamall' and 'tamaillín'?
'Tamaillín' is the diminutive of 'tamall' and means a little or short while, as in 'Fan tamaillín' (wait a moment).
