HeyRuaHow to say “ability” in Irish
- Irish:
- inniúlacht
- English:
- ability, competence
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “IN-yoo-lukht” /ˈɪnʲuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- inniúlachtaí (abilities)
- Genitive singular:
- inniúlachta, na hinniúlachta (e.g. leibhéal inniúlachta, level of competence)
- Genitive plural:
- inniúlachtaí, na n-inniúlachtaí (e.g. forbairt na n-inniúlachtaí, the development of competencies)
What does “inniúlacht” mean?
“Inniúlacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ability
- The quality of being able or competent to do something well.Also: competence, capability, capacity.
“Inniúlacht” with the article
The plural of ability in Irish is inniúlachtaí. Here is inniúlacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Inniúlacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using inniúlacht, the Irish word for ability.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ability in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ability?
The Irish for ability is inniúlacht (pronounced “IN-yoo-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is inniúlachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean competence.
How do you pronounce inniúlacht in Irish?
Inniúlacht is said like “IN-yoo-lukht” (IPA /ˈɪnʲuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of ability in Irish?
The plural of inniúlacht is inniúlachtaí; with the article, na hinniúlachtaí means “the abilities”. The genitive plural is inniúlachtaí, as in forbairt na n-inniúlachtaí (the development of competencies).
Does inniúlacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Inniúlacht can mean ability or competence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does inniúlacht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an inniúlacht (the ability), a hinniúlacht (her ability), a n-inniúlacht (their ability), na hinniúlachtaí (the abilities).
What is the difference between inniúlacht and cumas?
Both mean ability, but cumas is the more general everyday word, while inniúlacht stresses competence or proficiency, as in teastas inniúlachta.
