a Sheáin

Vocative Names

Level 3

The vocative particle a introduces direct address and triggers lenition; masculine names may also slenderize: a Sheáin. A Nóra has no such final change.

How It Works

The vocative particle a introduces direct address and triggers lenition; masculine names may also slenderize: a Sheáin. A Nóra has no such final change.

Use the vocative particle a when directly addressing someone. It causes lenition where possible, and eligible masculine names have a slender vocative ending. Seán therefore becomes a Sheáin; Nóra has no consonant to lenite at the beginning and no corresponding masculine ending change.

Examples (3)

  1. A Sheáin, tar anseo.

    Seán, come here.

  2. A Nóra, an bhfuil tú réidh?

    Nóra, are you ready?

  3. A Mháire, fan liom.

    Máire, wait for me.

How It Connects

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a SheáinLevel 3Vocative Names

Learn This First

Recognize lenition before combining it with direct address and name inflection.

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