HeyRuaHow to say “alternation” in Irish
- Irish:
- ailtéarnú
- English:
- alternation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- ailtéarnaigh, to alternate (ag ailtéarnú, alternating)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “AL-tchayr-noo” /ˈalʲtʲeːrˠn̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- ailtéarnaithe, an ailtéarnaithe (e.g. próiseas an ailtéarnaithe, the process of alternation)
What does “ailtéarnú” mean?
- alternation
- The act of alternating, or the fact of things taking turns or changing back and forth; it is the verbal noun of the verb ailtéarnaigh.Also: alternating, taking turns, changing back and forth.
“Ailtéarnú” as a verbal noun
After ag, ailtéarnú means alternating: it is the verbal noun of the verb ailtéarnaigh (to alternate). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Ailtéarnú” with the article
Here is ailtéarnú after the article (an t-alt).
“Ailtéarnú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ailtéarnú, the Irish word for alternation.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Alternation in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for alternation?
The Irish for alternation is ailtéarnú (pronounced “AL-tchayr-noo”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce ailtéarnú in Irish?
Ailtéarnú is said like “AL-tchayr-noo” (IPA /ˈalʲtʲeːrˠn̪ˠuː/).
Does ailtéarnú have a plural?
No plural form is given for ailtéarnú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does ailtéarnú sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ailtéarnú (the alternation), a hailtéarnú (her alternation), a n-ailtéarnú (their alternation).
Is ailtéarnú the usual word for taking turns?
No, in everyday speech people say sealaíocht or uainíocht for taking turns; ailtéarnú is more technical, used in science or linguistics.
