Comments on: Eolaí gan Fhéile, author of Irish KC

By: Erin M. Kelly

Erin M. Kelly — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 04:03:42 +0000

I am a another ‘Erin’ who would love to have the phrase ‘Family Above All Else’ as a tattoo, and I’m so happy to have found this post since it gives me some added reassurance regarding the appropriate writing. The general consensus I have gathered regarding the saying is that it should read as follows: teaghlach thar gach uile ní .

I have also read elsewhere that if space is an issue, you can omit the word “uile” without compromising the meaning. Is this the case?

By: eolai

eolai — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 07:24:11 +0000

Irish Mama, please do doubt me, especially on my Gaeilge which has gone so rusty these last few years. And I’m always up for a bit of reassurance (I have self-esteem issues)! Oh, and thanks.

By: Irish Mama

Irish Mama — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:29:57 +0000

I think your explaination is brilliant, Eolai.

I’ve been taking Irish (language) class at the Irish Museum & Cultural Center w/ Renata (a lovely lady), and your explaination jives with the one she gave us as well - not that I’d ever doubt you (or that you’d need reassurance that you’re correct)!

By: Erin

Erin — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:52:23 +0000

Thank you so much for your help, I think I like the family above all saying -Muintir thar gach uile ní, for my tattoo. If you have any more suggestions I would really appreciate them. I just want a saying that shows how much my family means to me. Again thank you!

By: eolai

eolai — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 04:45:32 +0000

Erin,

I should - and will - amend where I have “clann” as meaning family.

“Clann” was commonly taught in schools in Ireland to mean “family” and as such is commonly used by non-native speakers like myself to mean “family”, but it really only means “family” in the same sense in English that you might ask somebody if they are going to start a family i.e. it means “offspring” or “descendants”.

“Teaghlach” does mean “family” in the sense of parents and children living together. Relating to a household, it comes from the word “Teach” which means “house”. This word is most commonly used by native speakers in Gaeltacht areas.

Also “Muintir” - translated most commonly as “people”, is also used to mean “family”, usually with the name to refer to the wider family.

Remember, literal translations are not good if even possible, and context can give meanings to words that they don’t have when used in isolation.

If your tattoo is going to say just one word I imagine you want “Teaghlach”, but if it is to be combined with your family name or used with other words perhaps “muintir” is best for you. You might have a read through the forums on Daltaí na Gaeilge

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 04:15:54 +0000

I am sorry to ask another question but I found another saying I liked about family and I just wanted to make sure the translation was correct. Muintir thar gach uile ní- family above all. If this translation is correct would you be able to give me the pronunciation also? Again thank you in advance!

By: Erin

Erin — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 03:55:40 +0000

Hello, I was looking up how to say family in Gaelic and I came across two different words, you said clann is family and another website I found said that the word teaghlach was family. I can’t seem to find an answer so I hope you can help, my brother and I are going to get tattoos together with the word and I need it to be the right one. Thank you for your help in advance.

By: eolai

eolai — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 12:12:51 +0000

“clann” Stephen. It’s actually in the Glossary

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 02:31:19 +0000

How do you say “Family” in Gaelic? Thanks, in advance!

By: Gerry Regan

Gerry Regan — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 15:51:07 +0000

I’m enjoying your KC focus, whimsy, and your clear affinity for Irish culture. We should keep in touch for mutual benefit, perhaps sharing news and promotion, whatever. We also eventually would like to locate a KC correspondent to join our stable.

Not finding your name here so you have me at a disadvantage.

Gerry Regan
Producer, TheWildGeese.com
917-741-9501