HeyRuaHow to say “tea” in Irish
- Irish:
- tae
- English:
- tea, tea (meal)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “tay” /t̪ˠeː/
- Plural:
- taenna (teas)
- Genitive singular:
- tae, an tae (e.g. cupán tae, a cup of tea)
- Genitive plural:
- taenna, na dtaenna (e.g. meascán na dtaenna, the blend of teas)
What does “tae” mean?
“Tae” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tea
- A hot drink made by pouring boiling water on the dried leaves of the tea plant.Also: cup of tea, cuppa, tea leaves.
1 other meaning: tea (meal)
- 2tea (meal)
- A light evening meal, often eaten with a cup of tea.Also: tea, evening meal, teatime.
“Tae” with the article
The plural of tea in Irish is taenna. Here is tae after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tae” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tae, the Irish word for tea.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “tae”
Tea in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tea?
The Irish for tea is tae (pronounced “tay”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is taenna. Depending on context it can also mean tea (meal).
How do you pronounce tae in Irish?
Tae is said like “tay” (IPA /t̪ˠeː/).
What is the plural of tea in Irish?
The plural of tae is taenna; with the article, na taenna means “the teas”. The genitive plural is taenna, as in meascán na dtaenna (the blend of teas).
Does tae have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tae can mean tea or tea (meal), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tae change to thae or dtae?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tae becomes mo thae (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtae (eclipsis).
How do I say 'make tea' in Irish?
You say 'tae a dhéanamh', for example 'Déanfaidh mé tae'; some speakers also say 'tae a fhliuchadh'.
