HeyRua Get the app

Air in Irish (Aer): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘aer’ also means: sky · gaiety

The Irish for air is aer, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “air” in Irish

Irish:
aer
English:
air, sky, gaiety
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“air”  /eːɾˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
aeir, an aeir (e.g. truailliú an aeir, air pollution)

What does “aer” mean?

“Aer” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

air
The invisible mixture of gases around the earth that we breathe.Also: atmosphere, open air, fresh air.
2 other meanings: sky or gaiety
2sky
The space above the earth, where birds and aircraft fly.Also: heavens, the air above.
3gaiety
Fun, enjoyment or merriment, as in having a good time.Also: pleasure, fun, enjoyment.

Other Irish words for air: port (tune), craol (broadcast), atmaisféar (atmosphere), aeráil (air)

“Aer” with the article

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

an t-aer
the air
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Aer” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aer, the Irish word for air.

Tá an liathróid ard san aer.
The ball is high in the air.
Is breá liom bheith amuigh faoin aer.
I love being out in the open air.
Tá an t-aer an-fhuar ar maidin.
The air is very cold this morning.
Oscail an fhuinneog le haghaidh aer úr.
Open the window for some fresh air.
Tá cáilíocht an aeir go dona sa chathair.
The air quality is bad in the city.
Bhí siad ag déanamh aeir sa chathair thar oíche.
They had a fun night out in the city.
Bhí boladh aráin san aer sa chistin.
There was a smell of bread in the air in the kitchen.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Air in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for air?

The Irish for air is aer (pronounced “air”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sky or gaiety.

How do you pronounce aer in Irish?

Aer is said like “air” (IPA /eːɾˠ/).

Does aer have a plural?

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

Does aer have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aer can mean air, sky or gaiety, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aer (the air), a haer (her air), a n-aer (their air).

How do I say 'outdoors' or 'in the open air' in Irish?

Use 'faoin aer', for example 'Is breá liom bheith amuigh faoin aer' means 'I love being outdoors'.

Is 'aerach' related to 'aer'?

Yes, 'aerach' comes from 'aer' and traditionally means 'airy, lighthearted', though today it most often means 'gay'.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like aer through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen