ann an

See also: annan and Annan

Scottish Gaelic edit

Etymology edit

Extension of an (“in”) with ann (“there, in it”), from early modern eclipsing a n-, i n- (“in”) (eg. a dtigh gach Crīstaidhe ― in a house of every Christian, a dtiomna Dhé ― in the revelation of God) from Old Irish i. Compare Irish i.

Pronunciation edit

IPA^(key): (before a, o, u or a broad consonant) /ˈan̪ˠən̪ˠ/, (before e, i or a slender consonant) /ˈan̪ˠəɲ/

Preposition edit

ann an (+ dative, no mutation, before the definite article anns, combined with the singular definite article san, sa, combined with the plural definite article sna)

in
a bheil e ann an taigh? ― is he in a house?

bidh iad ann an coilltean ― they will be in forests

bha i glè fhada anns a' bheachd sin ― she was of that opinion for a long time (literally, “she was very long in that opinion”)
on (certain geographical features, most notably islands)
ann an Uibhist a Deas ― on South Uist (this usage is followed in Highland English)

anns a' chladach ― on the shore
at (time)
anns a' bhad ― straight away

san àm-sa ― at the moment
(idiomatic) Used to indicate possession of a disposition, inherent quality, or permanent nature
's e Albannach a tha annam ― I am a Scottish person (literally, “it is a Scottish person that is in me”)

tha i biorach sa chluas ― she has a keen sense of hearing (literally, “she is pointy in the ear”)

tha inntinn mhath innte ― she is clever; she has her head screwed on (literally, “there is a good mind in her”)

Usage notes edit

The an does not represent the definite article in this expression and does not change before plural nouns, for "in the" see anns, sa, san, and sna.
Before words beginning with b, f, m or p, ann am is used.
Sometimes an (“in”) is used on its own without the ann part.

Inflection edit

Personal inflection of ann an
Number	Person	Simple	Emphatic
Singular	1st	annam	annamsa
	2nd	annad	annadsa
	3rd m	ann	annsan
	3rd f	innte	inntese
Plural	1st	annainn	annainne
	2nd	annaibh	annaibhse
	3rd	annta	anntasan