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Ta (with fada) or sea?

  • 13-03-2011 07:49PM
    #1
    amdublin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,653 ✭✭✭✭


    If someone was talking away to you as gaeilge and you are getting the gist of the conversation but don't have enough Irish to converse back with them.

    Is it more correct to nod and say ta, ta continually during the conversation or should you be saying sea, sea? Ie. What is the correct Irish word for yes?

    Go raibh maith agat in advance!


Comments

  • #2
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 31,033 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    There is no single word in Irish that corresponds to the English word "yes".

    Ideally you'd respond in agreement with the verb used in the sentence. But, that tends to be beyond the level most of the country. You should only use "tá" in response to a question starting with "an bhfuil?".

    "sea" is used a lot more often than it should be, but is the closest thing to a "yeah/yup/yes" in Irish. You should restrict it to instances when the other person speaking asks "an ea?" or "nach ea?" in a sentence.


  • #3
    amdublin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,653 ✭✭✭✭amdublin


    Hmmm.

    Thanks IO. Very interesting and food for thought.

    I will definitely try respond with the verb.

    But if I am just more encouraging or agreeing, what is more correct; ta or sea?

    Or more importantly which is more incorrect?! :)


  • #4
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 31,033 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    amdublin wrote: »
    But if I am just more encouraging or agreeing, what is more correct; ta or sea?

    Or more importantly which is more incorrect?! :)

    A purist would probably tell you they're both equally incorrect! :p

    But, being realistic, the language is constantly evolving. You'll frequently hear people saying "sea" even when it's technically not correct. I'd say it's much more accepted though, so you should be safe to use it in those kinds of situations. :)

    I'll have a read through some of my old notes later for you, to check when exactly 'sea should be used.


  • #5
    amdublin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,653 ✭✭✭✭amdublin


    Thanks insect overload!


  • #6
    Gael
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭Gael


    Why not say 'Tuigim' (I understand). It's sufficient in most contexts to convey that you're following what the person is saying, irrespective of the subject matter.


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  • #7
    deirdremf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,375 ✭✭✭deirdremf


    amdublin wrote: »
    If someone was talking away to you as gaeilge and you are getting the gist of the conversation but don't have enough Irish to converse back with them.

    Is it more correct to nod and say ta, ta continually during the conversation or should you be saying sea, sea? Ie. What is the correct Irish word for yes?

    Go raibh maith agat in advance!

    Cinnte
    (tá an) ceart agat
    (is) fíor dhuit


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