I am just a learner but this simple little word always throws me , could someone please give me an example of when it should be used instead of tá , perhaps my question gives a clue in itself as to why I am having difficulty with using it correctly ?

le meas

"atá" corresponds to "a" (direct relative particle) + "tá"

The man is content:
Tá an fear sásta

I see the man who is content:
Feicim an fear atá sásta

in the case of "tá", the direct relative particle is not writen separately

thats very helpful Max .
would it also be true then to say this could be used in the context of ' that ' also

an labhair atá ar an mbord ?

the book that ( or which ) is on the table ?

and how would I know how to differentiate this usage and the usage of ' go bhfuil ' ??



or have I got the wrong end of the bata ??

Atá is the form used when you say "that is", "that are", "who is", "who are", "which is", "which are" in subordinate clauses:

the book that is on the table > an leabhar atá ar an tábla/mbord

The people who are there > na daoine atá ansin

etc.

atá is simply a+tá (a is the "relative particle").

That is pricless , thank you ,

'Atá ' .......... An fhocal atá d'fhoghlaim mé inniu :)

is this ok ?

actually just reading over that I think it would be

An fhocal a d'fhoghlaim mé inniu

otherwise it make as much sense as

Atá the word which is I learnt today .

Oh well at least the awarness of the rules are kicking in !

Right.
Mmmm...
you should write "An focal" (focal is masculine, so no séimhiú here after the article).

Maith thú a chara nua!
Tis gr8 to c ppl ag foghlaim Gaeilge ;)

atá can be written a tá aswell(generally the way I write it). Just in case you get confused if you see a tá somewhere.

Dalta > I've never seen it written "a tá", except by learners who don't master grammar... ;-)

One last thing if its not a bother ,

I have also seen Maire atá orm

which translates as My name is Maire

how does this use fit in to the above explanantion??

Maire atá orm = "(it is) Maire who is on me" = my name is Maire

Or: (it is) Máire (the name) that is on me" = my name is Máire.

Absolutely:

In English, relative clauses are introduced by relative pronouns.

In Irish, they are introduce by a (so-called) relative particle. Literally, it would be better to always translate "a" by "that".


ps: I left "relative particle" in the singular on purpose; linguistically and synchronically there is only one "relative particle" (with two forms: direct and indirect).

(Message edited by Max on July 21, 2005)

"Dalta > I've never seen it written "a tá", except by learners who don't master grammar... ;-)"

oh really? I actually used to use atá but thought a tá was better. I'll revert immediately.

Quote - Lughaidh
Or: (it is) Máire (the name) that is on me" = my name is Máire.


I guess it's just a shortened more familiar version of -
,.... an t-ainm atá orm

Máire an t-ainm atá orm - lit. máire is the name that is on me

Cén t-ainm atá ort - what's your name
Máire atá orm - Máire....