Absence in Irish (Éagmais): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for absence?

The Irish for absence is éagmais (pronounced “AY-guh-mish”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longing.

Q: Does éagmais have more than one meaning?

Yes. Éagmais can mean absence or longing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “absence” in Irish

Irish:: éagmais
English:: absence, longing
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “AY-guh-mish” /eːɡəmˠəʃ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: éagmaise, na héagmaise (e.g. brón na héagmaise, the sorrow of absence)

What does “éagmais” mean?

“Éagmais” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

absence: The state of being without someone or something; mostly used in the phrase 'in éagmais' meaning 'in the absence of, without'.Also: lack, want, being without.

1 other meaning: longing

2longing: A feeling of missing someone or something that is absent; yearning.Also: yearning, missing someone.

“Éagmais” with the article

Here is éagmais after the article (an t-alt).

an éagmais

the absence

No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Éagmais” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using éagmais, the Irish word for absence.

In éagmais airgid, níorbh fhéidir linn dul ann.

Without money, we couldn't go there.

Ní féidir maireachtáil in éagmais uisce.

You can't live without water.

Bhí an éagmais ag cur as go mór di.

The absence was really bothering her.

Mhothaigh sé pian na héagmaise gach lá.

He felt the pain of absence every day.

Rinneadh an cinneadh ina héagmais.

The decision was made in her absence.

Ní rachaidh mé ann in d'éagmais.

I won't go there without you.

Is mór an éagmais atá orainn ó d'imigh sé.

We miss him greatly since he left.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

peilfootball truapity tionscnamhproject oidhreachtinheritance pictiúrpicture clúdachcover

Absence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for absence?

The Irish for absence is éagmais (pronounced “AY-guh-mish”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longing.

How do you pronounce éagmais in Irish?

Éagmais is said like “AY-guh-mish” (IPA /eːɡəmˠəʃ/).

Does éagmais have a plural?

No plural form is given for éagmais in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does éagmais have more than one meaning?

Yes. Éagmais can mean absence or longing, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does éagmais sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an éagmais (the absence), a héagmais (her absence), a n-éagmais (their absence).

How do I say 'without me' or 'in my absence' using éagmais?

Use a possessive: 'i m'éagmais' (without me), 'in d'éagmais' (without you), 'ina éagmais' (without him), 'ina héagmais' (without her).

Is 'in éagmais' the same as 'gan'?

Both can mean 'without', but 'in éagmais' is more formal and literary, and it takes the genitive: 'in éagmais airgid'.

Absence in Irish (Éagmais): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage