Page:Graimear na Gaedhilge.djvu/310

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294

another idiom. “It is really good for,” “It is of benefit to.” Is maiṫ dom é. It is good for me; (whether I like it or not).

He does not like milk but it is good for him.
Ní maiṫ leis bainne aċt is maiṫ dó é.

N.B.—In these and like idiomatic expressions the preposition “le” conveys the person’s own ideas and feelings, whether these are in accordance with fact or not. Is fiú liom dul go h‑Albain. I think it is worth my while to go to Scotland (whether it is really the case or not). Is mór liom an luaċ soin. I think that a great price. Is suaraċ liom é sin. I think that trifling (another person may not).

The word “think” in such phrases is not translated into Irish.

Is fiú ḋuit dul go h‑Albain. It is really worth your while to go to Scotland (whether you think so or not).

TIG LIOM, I CAN, I AM ABLE.

643. Although there is a regular verb feudaim, meaning I can, I am able, it is not always used. The two other expressions often used to translate the English verb “I can,” are tig liom and is féidir liom.