HeyRuaHow to say “shallows” in Irish
- Irish:
- tanaí
- English:
- shallows, thin part
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TAN-ee” /t̪ˠənˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- tanaí, an tanaí (e.g. uisce an tanaí, the water of the shallows)
What does “tanaí” mean?
“Tanaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shallows
- A shallow part of a body of water, such as a stretch of sea, river or lake where the water is not deep.Also: shallow water, shoal, ford.
1 other meaning: thin part
- 2thin part
- The thinnest or narrowest part of something, such as the small of the back or the narrow part of a limb.Also: narrow part, small of the back.
“Tanaí” with the article
Here is tanaí after the article (an t-alt).
“Tanaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tanaí, the Irish word for shallows.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shallows in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shallows?
The Irish for shallows is tanaí (pronounced “TAN-ee”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean thin part.
How do you pronounce tanaí in Irish?
Tanaí is said like “TAN-ee” (IPA /t̪ˠənˠiː/).
Does tanaí have a plural?
No plural form is given for tanaí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does tanaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tanaí can mean shallows or thin part, depending on context; the first is the most common. Tanaí also has its own entry as an adjective meaning thin.
Why does tanaí change to thanaí or dtanaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tanaí becomes mo thanaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtanaí (eclipsis).
What other Irish word means shallows?
Tanalach is also common for shallow water, and both tanaí and tanalach can be used for a shallow stretch of a river or the sea.
