An t- An t-
An t- is a form of the Gaelic definite article (equivalent to the English word “the”), and can sometimes be the cause of confusion as to when it is and is not used. Watch the video for an in-depth explanation.
First, let's consider how an t- is used with eilean (an island), as it is a word heard often in day-to-day Gaelic conversation.
Since eilean is a masculine noun that begins with a vowel, the definite article an t- is only used when we would use the word "the" in English:
However, when eilean follows a preposition, it does not keep the an t-:
Tha an t-Eilean Sgitheanach brèagha, agus chi mi tìr-mòr bhon Eilean Sgitheanach.
The Isle of Skye is beautiful, and I can see the mainland from the Isle of Skye.
Another example of an t- being used before a masculine noun beginnning with a vowel can be found in òran (a song):
Chuala Eilidh òran mun eilean agus sheinn i an t-òran anns a' char.
Eilidh heard a song about the island and she sang the song in the car.
An t- before feminine nouns beginning with an S
An t- is also used before feminine nouns that begin with sl, sn, sr or s followed by a vowel, such as slat (a fishing rod).
Chunnaic Eilidh fear ag iasgach ach bhris an t-slat aige.
Eilidh saw a man fishing , but his fishing rod broke.
An t- between a preposition and S
These conditions are not unique to just feminine nouns; addtional, an t- is used before all nouns beginning with sl, sn, sr, or s followed by a vowel if they follow a preposition like anns, aig, or air.
Bha sneachd air na beanntan agus choisich i anns an t-sneachd.
Snow was on the mountains and she walked in the snow.
Bha gunna aig an t-sealgair a chunnaic i anns na beanntan.
The hunter, who she saw in the mountains, had a gun.
An t- before masculine S nouns
This also applies to situations when something is described as belonging to a masculine noun beginning with sl, sn, sr or s followed by a vowel, such as with sruthan (a stream):