Irish has two completely different verbs that both mean “to be” in English.

You must choose between using the word is or the word tá depending on what you want to say.

Mixing these two verbs up is one of the most common mistakes beginners make.

I’ll explain exactly how the Irish copula works so you can use both verbs correctly.

The core difference between is and tá

The easiest way to remember the difference is to think about permanence versus temporary states.

The verb tá is used to describe states, conditions, feelings, and locations.

The verb is is used to describe permanent identities, professions, and classifications.

If you’re describing how someone feels right now, you use tá.

If you’re saying what someone is fundamentally, you use is.

Using tá for states and locations

The word tá is the present tense form of the verb bí.

You’ll use tá when you’re linking a person to an adjective.

You also use it to tell someone where an object or a person is currently located.

Here are a few examples of tá used to describe temporary states and locations:

To help you practice, here’s the present tense conjugation of tá in Irish.

Regional variations exist here, such as using táim instead of tá mé in the Munster dialect.

Similarly, tá muid is very common in Connacht and Ulster, while táimid is standard and preferred in Munster.

Using is for identity and categories

The word is functions as the copula in Irish grammar.

We call this an chopail in the Irish language.

You must use is when you want to connect a noun to another noun.

This means you use it whenever you say “A is a B”.

You’ll use the copula for nationalities, professions, and basic identification.

Here are some examples of the copula in action:

Notice how we never say Tá mé múinteoir to mean “I’m a teacher”.

Because you’re equating a pronoun (I) with a noun (teacher), you absolutely must use the copula.

Using the right pronouns with the copula

There’s one important grammar rule you need to know about sentences that use is.

The copula doesn’t use the standard pronouns sé, sí, or siad.

Instead, it requires the disjunctive pronouns é, í, and iad.

You simply swap them out when you’re building a sentence with is.

Here’s a quick reference table showing the correct pronouns to use.

Take a look at the following examples to see how this difference appears in spoken Irish.

Common phrases that use the copula

Beyond simple identification, the copula shows up constantly in everyday Irish idioms.

You’ll use is when you’re talking about the things you like or love.

You also use it to express ownership and belonging.

Here are a few extremely common phrases that rely on the copula.