I'm trying to figure out the vocative for "aunt", and I'm also wondering if it's natural in Irish to address an aunt in this way. In English, I don't think it is. I'd never say, "Aunt, would you please pass the salt?" I'd always use my aunt's name. "Aunt Beth, would you please pass the salt?"

So, I guess that's two questions.

1. What's the vocative for aintín?
2. Is it natural to address someone as aintín without using her name as well?

Thanks!!

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!

Well, it's fourth declension so the vocative is the same as the nominative. Thus, a aintín.

Here's an example of it being used -

www.focloir.ie/en/dictionary/ei/auntie

I think it's more usual (and definitely more traditional in Gaeltacht areas) to simply address (or refer to) your aunt or uncle by her or his first name. If you need to be more specific, you'd say something like "deartháir m'athar" or "deirfiúir mo mháthar."

Redwolf

That's correct. I always called my aunts and uncles by their first names.

All very helpful. Thanks, everyone!!

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I'm very much a beginner learner. Don't hesitate to correct me, as long as you explain why. This is how I learn best!

Hi Bríd,

And could you tell me if you included the vocative particle when you did?

Would you say "Síle" or "a Shíle"?
Would you say "Seán" or "a Sheáin?

Briain.

Yes. When it was required. No different to speaking to anybody else.



Like Redwolf say "deartháir m'athar" or "deirfiúir mo mháthar" is more traditional, but aint and uncail are well established in Irish now too.

"Sí Máire Chóilín m'aint" if I was talking to somebody who didn't know them personally I'd say "Tá m'uncail san aspicle" etc.