ann an

Extension of an (“in”) with ann (“there, in it”), from early modern eclipsing a n-, i n- (“in”) (eg. a dtigh gach Crīstaidhe ― in a house of every Christian, a dtiomna Dhé ― in the revelation of God) from Old Irish i. Compare Irish i.

• IPA^(key): (before a, o, u or a broad consonant) /ˈan̪ˠən̪ˠ/, (before broad g or k) /ˈan̪ˠəŋ/, (before e, i or a slender consonant) /ˈan̪ˠəɲ/, (before a consonant) /ˈan̪ˠə/

ann an (+ dative, no mutation, before the definite article anns, combined with the singular definite article san, sa, combined with the plural definite article sna)

1. in

   a bheil e ann an taigh? ― is he in a house?

   bidh iad ann an coilltean ― they will be in forests

   bha i glè fhada anns a' bheachd sin ― she was of that opinion for a long time (literally, “she was very long in that opinion”)

2. on (certain geographical features, most notably islands)

   ann an Uibhist a Deas ― on South Uist (this usage is followed in Highland English)

   anns a' chladach ― on the shore

3. at (time)

   anns a' bhad ― straight away

   san àm-sa ― at the moment

4. Used to indicate possession of a disposition, inherent quality, or permanent nature

   's e Albannach a tha annam ― I am a Scottish person (literally, “it is a Scottish person that is in me”)

   tha i biorach sa chluas ― she has a keen sense of hearing (literally, “she is pointy in the ear”)

   tha inntinn mhath innte ― she is clever; she has her head screwed on (literally, “there is a good mind in her”)

5. (idiomatic) Used to state possession of certain physical features, e.g. eyes, wrinkles, a limp

   tha sùilean uaine innte ― she has green eyes (literally, “there are green eyes in her”)

• The an does not represent the definite article in this expression and does not change before plural nouns, for "in the" see anns, sa, san, and sna.
• Before words beginning with b, f, m or p, ann am is used.
• Sometimes an (“in”) is used on its own without the ann part.