Understanding An and Na

[Saoirse]

Hi all,

Second or third post here so hoping I get it right. Still learning the ropes.

I'm have 23 crowns (levels?) and I'm wondering if I understand this correctly about the Irish language.

An leabhar

and

Na paisti

Is "an" reserved for object and "na" reserved for people?

[Steveo]

An is singular (An buachaill =the boy) Na is plural (Na buachailli =the boys)

Saw this from the other forum and it helped me,hope it helps you.

[CaitNicRun]

To expand on what Steveo said, be aware that "an" is also used for questions.

You might not need to know this right now, but you will see it and wonder.

Mar sin:

An = singular definite article: an buachaill = the boy
Na = plural definite article: na buachaillí = the boys

An= also used in the question form : An buachaill thú? = Are you a boy?
An bhfuil buachaill agat? = Do you have a boy(friend)?

In fast speech both types of "An", article and question, can get softened or virtually vanish.

/not fluent, still learning like youse all.

[Saoirse]

Thank you both very much.

[Saoirse]

The more I practice the more I see and now understand the differences. Cool process. Thanks again all.

[Steveo]

yeah if i dont practice everyday i find that i forget some things then have to go back to review

[Saoirse]

Yes me too. What level are you on in Duolingo studies?

[Steveo]

Im still on beginner levels,havent made it to level 1 yet but i only do 2 or 3 lessons a day

[Saoirse]

I wonder how I'll go over the next three months. I've just met my 100 day goal but I'm off to the US soon and wondering if I can keep up the habit of practice. I'm hopeful.

Im still on beginner levels,havent made it to level 1 yet but i only do 2 or 3 lessons a day

[Steveo]

Sorry im late on this but havent been active on the forums much but you can keep it up,just try to do a lesson any chance you get,bathroom breaks,eating a snack right before bed ect.I try to make time when i cant do it on my regular schedule.