We all know our ‘an bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas’ from our ‘conas atá tú?’, but how far does your Irish extend? Are you a fluent Gaeilgeoir or someone who’s got their cúpla focal agus sin é? Whether you were scarred by Peig in school or have a grá for Gaeilge, this Seachtain na Gaeilge here at Michael Murphy Home Furnishing, we’ve been all about celebrating Irish in our own way – through furniture!
What is Seachtain na Gaeilge?
Seachtain na Gaeilge, or Irish Week is an annual international festival that celebrates Irish language and culture! It takes place in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, with events, activities, and initiatives promoting an Ghaeilge not just in Ireland, but around the world! Seachtain na Gaeilge aims to encourage people of all ages and abilities to use their cúpla focal, whether they’re a fluent speaker, or someone just starting off. Remember, is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste!
As Seachtain na Gaeilge comes to a close and we all don our green for Paddy’s day, why not see how much furniture related Irish vocabulary you already know?
Essential Irish Furniture Vocabulary
Here are some common household furniture items and their Irish translations – how many did you know already? If you’re not sure of the pronunciation, be sure to head on over to our Instagram or Facebook- we’ve been breaking them down for you there!
- Sofa – Tolg
- Bed – Leaba
- Armchair – Cathaoir Uilleach
- Dining Table – Bord Seomra Bia
- Mirror – Scáthán
- Lamps – Soilse
- Throw – Pluid
- Rugs – Rugaí
- Clocks – Cloig
- Cushion – Cúisín
- Bedside Table – Bord Cois Leapa
- Headboard – Clár Cinn
- Duvet – Diuvé
- Pillow – Piliúr
- Mattress – Matairís
Bringing Irish into Your Home
As a Guaranteed Irish business, we really value staying true to our Irish roots and incorporating Irish into our daily life! After all, nach bhfuil beatha teanga í a labhairt?
Why not start by using the Irish words for furniture around your home? Here are some ways you can bring Gaeilge into your day to day life!
- Try labelling your furniture with small sticky notes as Gaeilge to help you and your family become more familiar with the words? (This trick is tried and tested – it helped me pass Leaving Cert French)
- If you have children, encourage them to use the Irish names for things – this really helps vocabulary to stick!
- When shopping for furniture, challenge yourself to think of the Irish word before saying it in English!
Seachtain na Gaeilge is a great reminder that the Irish language is not just a part of our history – it’s a living language that can be used every day! Learning simple words, like furniture terms is a step towards keeping Gaeilge strong and present in modern life. Even if you only know a few words, using them regularly makes a difference!