Pluralisation (Junior Cert Irish): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
Plurals | Iolraí
In Irish, to make a noun plural (more than one), you usually:
- Change the ending of the word.
- Use "na" for "the" in the plural.
- Add a séimhiú (h) or urú (prefix letter) after the article (an or na).
"The" in Plural: Use "na"
When you're saying "the" + plural noun, use:
-
"na" instead of "an". E.g. an páiste → na páistí
-
And apply séimhiú (h) or urú (prefix letter) depending on the word
💡 Changes After "na"
| Type of Noun | Change After "na" | Example (Singular → Plural) |
|---|---|---|
| Most feminine nouns | Séimhiú (h) | an bhó → na bó (the cows) |
| Most masculine nouns | No change | an fear → na fir (the men) |
| Some nouns (e.g. t, d) | Urú | an doras → na ndorsa (the doors) |
Rules for Making Plurals
| Rule Type | Example (Singular) | Plural Form | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add -aí | bosca | boscaí | boxes |
| Add -anna (broad) / -eanna (slender) | carr | carranna | cars |
| Add -i as the second to last letter in the noun | milseán | milseáin | sweets |
| Change vowel + add -í | páiste | páistí | children |
| Change ending totally | fear | fir | men |
| No change (some words) | sciathán | sciathán | wings |
Examples in Sentences
| Singular | Plural | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tá an chat ar an mbord. | Tá na cait ar an mbord. | The cat is / The cats are on the table |
| Feicim an páiste sa pháirc. | Feicim na páistí sa pháirc. | I see the child / children |
| Cheannaigh mé milseán. | Cheannaigh mé milseáin. | I bought a sweet / sweets |
📝 Handy Tips
- Plurals often change spelling and pronunciation.
- Learn common irregulars like:
- bean → mná (woman → women)
- duine → daoine (person → people)