Irish Translation Forum

It seems when the subject is . . . "compound"(?) then the copula is more likely. I see what you mean, Antóin, when you say that my explanation of the copula is incomplete. In a number of grammars and texts, they point out that there are certain adjectives which would normally use copula like "Is ionann iad", etc. But no one says why. I guess it's a matter of getting used to by experience. Some books say for example "sentences like these use the copula with certain adjectives" but I don't know what "like these" means. Seems to be a matter of sense.

Sorry for "butting in", but I'm just very interested...what is a "copula"?

Irish has two ways of saying "is." There's a verb, tá, and then there's this funny non-verb thing called the copula. (There's nothing like it in English.)

For a better explanation, with more detail on when you'd use one way or the other, take a look here:
http://www.irishgaelictranslator.com/lessons/article-23-1.html
http://www.irishgaelictranslator.com/lessons/article-24-1.html

Abigeál

Actually I believe that the English verb "to be" (is, am, are, etc.) is also considered a copular verb, though I"m not sure if the nomenclature applies only when it's being used to equate two nouns. Copula is a linguistic term for the equitative verb, which is often distinguished from other verbs by the fact that it takes the nominative case on both "sides" so to speak, rather than having an object that is in the accusative or dative.

Irish is the only language I know of so far that has different words for the copular and non-copular meanings of "being," though.

David

Is buan grá deirféar

Is it safe to say that the above seems to be what everyone is pretty much agreeing on? If so, I confess I'm a little disappointed...not by the tranlation or the amount of input, which were both impressive and greatly appreciated, but because...I'm ashamed to admit it...I'm very attached to the word "síoraí" from my orginal request! (The one that means "eternal", if I've been following your discussion correctly.) Is it possible to have a version of the above translation that includes that word, yet remains grammatically correct? It's just such a cool word...

I'm going to stop talking now, as I've most likely convinced everyone that I am hopelessly shallow and incredibly empty-headed. Once again, many thanks for all the contributions, particulary to those who take the time to kindly answer my questions and tolerate my repeated interruptions.

jaycie

I did a search, and found that this topic has actually been discussed here before. These are the suggestions I found...what does everyone think of them?

Tá an ghrá deirféar go deo
Is síoraí an grá deirféar
Is síoraí é grá na ndeirfiúracha
Tá grá deirféar síoraí
Maireann grá deirféar go deo

Abigeál wrote:Irish has two ways of saying "is." There's a verb, tá, and then there's this funny non-verb thing called the copula. (There's nothing like it in English.)

Well, it actually is a (defective) verb.

I think we need more eyes on this.

She wants to use "síoraí" in a proper translation for

"A sister's love is eternal."

It seems we don't agree with using "tá" so "is" would be a better choice between the two.

Considering this, I think that

Is síoraí an grá deirféar.

is the most concise and literal translation of that phrase.

Any more comments?

Yes,

Is síoraí an grá deirféar.

...is the winner in my mind.