Accident in Irish (Taisme): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for accident?

The Irish for accident is taisme (pronounced “TASH-muh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is taismí. Depending on context it can also mean chance.

Q: What is the plural of accident in Irish?

The plural of taisme is taismí; with the article, na taismí means “the accidents”. The genitive plural is taismí, as in líon na dtaismí (the number of accidents).

Q: Does taisme have more than one meaning?

Yes. Taisme can mean accident or chance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “accident” in Irish

Irish:: taisme
English:: accident, chance
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TASH-muh” /ˈt̪ˠaʃmʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: taismí (accidents)
Genitive singular:: taisme, na taisme (e.g. suíomh na taisme, the scene of the accident)
Genitive plural:: taismí, na dtaismí (e.g. líon na dtaismí, the number of accidents)

What does “taisme” mean?

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

accident: An unexpected event that causes damage or injury; a mishap.Also: mishap, casualty, misadventure.

1 other meaning: chance

2chance: Something that happens by chance or luck, a fluke, mostly in the phrase 'de thaisme'.Also: fluke, accident, coincidence.

Other Irish words for accident: timpiste (accident), tionóisc (accident)

“Taisme” with the article

The plural of accident in Irish is taismí. Here is taisme after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an taisme

the accident

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na taismí

the accidents

Plural: no change after na

“Taisme” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using taisme, the Irish word for accident.

Bhí taisme ar an mbóthar ar maidin.

There was an accident on the road this morning.

Bhris mé an cupán de thaisme.

I broke the cup by accident.

Gortaíodh beirt sa taisme.

Two people were injured in the accident.

Ní raibh aon duine ar an láthair nuair a tharla an taisme.

Nobody was there when the accident happened.

Tá a lán taismí ar na bóithre seo.

There are a lot of accidents on these roads.

Chonaic sí an tuairisc faoin taisme ar an nuacht.

She saw the report about the accident on the news.

Tharla sé de thaisme, níor theastaigh uaim é.

It happened by accident, I didn't mean it.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

foinsesource iomarcaexcess tosachbeginning coláistecollege milliúnmillion gardapolice officer

Accident in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for accident?

The Irish for accident is taisme (pronounced “TASH-muh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is taismí. Depending on context it can also mean chance.

How do you pronounce taisme in Irish?

Taisme is said like “TASH-muh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠaʃmʲə/).

What is the plural of accident in Irish?

The plural of taisme is taismí; with the article, na taismí means “the accidents”. The genitive plural is taismí, as in líon na dtaismí (the number of accidents).

Does taisme have more than one meaning?

Yes. Taisme can mean accident or chance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does taisme change to thaisme or dtaisme?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) taisme becomes mo thaisme (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtaisme (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'taisme' and 'timpiste'?

Both mean accident; 'timpiste' is very common in speech for road accidents, while 'taisme' is standard and is used in the fixed phrase 'de thaisme' (by accident).

How do I say 'by accident'?

Say 'de thaisme', for example 'Rinne mé de thaisme é' (I did it by accident).

Accident in Irish (Taisme): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage