nuair

Irish

Etymology

Contraction of an uair (“the time”).

Pronunciation

• (careful speech) IPA^(key): /n̪ˠuəɾʲ/
• (rapid speech) IPA^(key): /n̪ˠɔɾʲ/, /n̪ˠɛɾʲ/ (as if spelled noir)

Conjunction

nuair (with direct relative form of verb)

1. when

   Proverb:

   Nuair a thiocfas an bás ní imeoidh sé folamh. ― When death comes he won’t leave empty.

References

• "nuair" in Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla, An Gúm, 1977, by Niall Ó Dónaill.

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Scottish Gaelic

Alternative forms

• an uair

Conjunction

nuair

1. when

   Tha i as toilichte nuair nach eil e a' seinn. ― She is happiest when he isn't singing.

   Nì mi sin nuair a bhios àm agam. ― I'll do it when I have time.

   Bha i dorcha nuair a ràinig iad an t-eilean. ― It was dark when they reached the island.

Usage notes

• If followed by the future tense, the relative future tense is used.
• In the sense "at what time" cuin is used instead.

  Innis dhomh cuin a thèid iad ann. ― Tell me when will they go there.