HeyRuaHow to say “attempt” in Irish
- Irish:
- iarracht
- English:
- attempt, effort, trace
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “EER-ukht” /ˈiəɾˠəxt̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- iarrachtaí (attempts)
- Genitive singular:
- iarrachta, na hiarrachta (e.g. toradh na hiarrachta, the result of the attempt)
- Genitive plural:
- iarrachtaí, na n-iarrachtaí (e.g. ainneoin na n-iarrachtaí, despite the efforts)
What does “iarracht” mean?
“Iarracht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- attempt
- An act of trying to do something.Also: try, go, bid.
2 other meanings: effort or trace
- 2effort
- The energy or work you put into doing something.Also: endeavour, exertion.
- 3trace
- A small amount or touch of something, as in 'iarracht de' meaning a little of.Also: touch, tinge, bit.
“Iarracht” with the article
The plural of attempt in Irish is iarrachtaí. Here is iarracht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Iarracht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using iarracht, the Irish word for attempt.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Attempt in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for attempt?
The Irish for attempt is iarracht (pronounced “EER-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is iarrachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean effort or trace.
How do you pronounce iarracht in Irish?
Iarracht is said like “EER-ukht” (IPA /ˈiəɾˠəxt̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of attempt in Irish?
The plural of iarracht is iarrachtaí; with the article, na hiarrachtaí means “the attempts”. The genitive plural is iarrachtaí, as in ainneoin na n-iarrachtaí (despite the efforts).
Does iarracht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Iarracht can mean attempt, effort or trace, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does iarracht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an iarracht (the attempt), a hiarracht (her attempt), a n-iarracht (their attempt), na hiarrachtaí (the attempts).
How do I say 'I tried' in Irish?
The usual way is 'Rinne mé iarracht', literally 'I made an attempt', followed by a verbal noun clause, e.g. 'Rinne mé iarracht é a oscailt'.
What is the difference between 'iarracht' and 'dícheall'?
'Iarracht' is an attempt or effort, while 'dícheall' is one's very best, as in 'Rinne sé a dhícheall' (he did his best).
