HeyRuaHow to say “able” in Irish
- Irish:
- ábalta
- English:
- able, able-bodied, capable
- Word type:
- adjective
- More able:
- níos ábalta
- Most able:
- is ábalta
- Pronunciation:
- “AW-bal-ta” /ˈɑːbˠəl̪ˠt̪ˠə/
What does “ábalta” mean?
“Ábalta” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- able
- Having the power or skill to do something; usually followed by a verbal noun phrase.Also: capable, can, in a position to.
“Ábalta” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is ábalta after fear (man, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, ábalta.
More able, most able, very able
Tá sí níos ábalta ná a deartháir. She is more capable than her brother.
| more able | níos ábalta | in the past tense: ní b'ábalta |
|---|---|---|
| most able | is ábalta | in the past tense: ab ábalta |
| as able as | chomh hábalta le | chomh puts an h before a vowel |
| very able | an-ábalta | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too able | ró-ábalta | ró- lenites |
“Ábalta” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Able in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for able?
The Irish for able is ábalta (pronounced “AW-bal-ta”). It comes after the noun: fear ábalta, an able man; bean ábalta, an able woman.
How do you say more able and most able in Irish?
níos ábalta is more able and is ábalta is most able. In the past tense they become ní b'ábalta and ab ábalta.
How do you say very able in Irish?
an-ábalta. Too able is ró-ábalta, and as able as is chomh hábalta le.
Does ábalta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ábalta can mean able, able-bodied or capable, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'ábalta' and 'in ann'?
Both mean able: 'Tá mé ábalta é a dhéanamh' and 'Tá mé in ann é a dhéanamh' both mean I can do it. 'In ann' is especially common in Connacht and Munster, 'ábalta' in Ulster.
Which preposition goes with 'ábalta'?
Use 'ar' with a noun or pronoun: 'Tá sé ábalta air' means he is able for it. With an action, use a verbal noun: 'ábalta léamh', able to read.
