Heard a phrase I like; "Irish. It's not what I am, it's who I am." I was hoping some one could help translate this into irish. I am not sure if it makes a difference, but "what" and "who" are the emphasis e.g."Irish. It's not WHAT I am, it's WHO I am."I am not too particular on dialect (although please label which dialects using). Thankyou in advance for any time anyone can spare.

Here's a start anyway:

Gaelach. Ní hé cad atá ionam é sin, ach is cé ar díobh mé é.

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Bí cinnte de go nglacfaidh triúr le gach aistriúchán a thabharfar.
Be sure to get three in agreement with a translation given.

Would this modification of your sentence work as well?

Gaelach. Ní hé cad atá ionam é sin, ach is é atáim.

I don't like it as much as yours but I'm wondering if it works (or is nonsensical.)

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The dialect I use is Cork Irish.
Ar sgáth a chéile a mhairid na daoine, lag agus láidir, uasal is íseal

I haven't come across it quite like that. Maybe it does work. I would be interested if someone can come in and give us another view on this.

For me examples like
'ach is é atáim a rá'
'ach is é atáim a dhéanamh'
etc. would be more usual.

Of course, with the word 'Irish' in front I'm taking it that the 'who I am' part refers to those I come from - my ancestors - and my translation effort is with that concept in mind... but the poster will soon let us know...

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Bí cinnte de go nglacfaidh triúr le gach aistriúchán a thabharfar.
Be sure to get three in agreement with a translation given.

It's difficult to translate as it's a bit idiomatic in English. And not really translatable into Irish as is.


I'd keep that part anyhow. As it means like Braoin said it's your ancestors they make you who you are.

Another suggestion -
Gaelach (or Éireannach): Ní shin atá ionam ach cé ar dhíobh mé.

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It is recommended that you always wait for three to agree on a translation.
I speak Connemara Irish, and my input will often reflect that.
I will do an mp3 file on request for short translations.
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Difficult to find the words for this one all right, a Bhríd. But for me you have nailed it, a chara.

I would second this, with either 'Gaelach' or "Éireannach' depending on how you feel!

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Bí cinnte de go nglacfaidh triúr le gach aistriúchán a thabharfar.
Be sure to get three in agreement with a translation given.

Wouldn't that make it temporary/transitory? I mean it's Is Albannach mé rather than *is Albannach atáim isn't it?

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A language belongs to its native speakers, and when you speak it, you are a guest in their homes.
If you are not a good guest, you have no right to complain about receiving poor hospitality.

Would ...ach é is atáim... be right? That would be something along the lines of táim fear, would it not?

Maybe if it's a bit oblique it's ok? (maybe). Sounds abit funny. What do you think Bríd?

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__̴ı̴̴̡̡̡ ̡͌l̡̡̡ ̡͌l̡*̡̡ ̴̡ı̴̴̡ ̡̡͡|̲̲̲͡͡͡ ̲▫̲͡ ̲̲̲͡͡π̲̲͡͡ ̲̲͡▫̲̲͡͡ ̲|̡̡̡ ̡ ̴̡ı̴̡̡ ̡͌l̡̡̡̡.___

I've only ever heard Gaelach used as an adjective.

Na Rite Gaelacha The Gaelic Kings.

I didn't know you could use it as a noun as well, i.e. that it was like Albanach. I thought only Éireannach worked there or Gael, so I learned something new!

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The dialect I use is Cork Irish.
Ar sgáth a chéile a mhairid na daoine, lag agus láidir, uasal is íseal