Beginner in Irish (Tosaitheoir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for beginner?

The Irish for beginner is tosaitheoir (pronounced “TUS-uh-hoar”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaitheoirí. Depending on context it can also mean starter.

Q: What is the plural of beginner in Irish?

The plural of tosaitheoir is tosaitheoirí; with the article, na tosaitheoirí means “the beginners”. The genitive plural is tosaitheoirí, as in rang na dtosaitheoirí (the beginners' class).

Q: Does tosaitheoir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosaitheoir can mean beginner or starter, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “beginner” in Irish

Irish:: tosaitheoir
English:: beginner, starter
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “TUS-uh-hoar” /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠəhoːɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: tosaitheoirí (beginners)
Genitive singular:: tosaitheora, an tosaitheora (e.g. leabhar an tosaitheora, the beginner's book)
Genitive plural:: tosaitheoirí, na dtosaitheoirí (e.g. rang na dtosaitheoirí, the beginners' class)

What does “tosaitheoir” mean?

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

beginner: A person who is just starting to learn or do something.Also: novice, learner, starter.

1 other meaning: starter

2starter: A person who starts or initiates something, such as one who starts a race or a business.Also: initiator, originator.

“Tosaitheoir” with the article

The plural of beginner in Irish is tosaitheoirí. Here is tosaitheoir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tosaitheoir

the beginner

No change after an

na tosaitheoirí

the beginners

Plural: no change after na

“Tosaitheoir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tosaitheoir, the Irish word for beginner.

Is tosaitheoir mé fós sa Ghaeilge.

I'm still a beginner in Irish.

Tá an tosaitheoir ag foghlaim go tapa.

The beginner is learning quickly.

Seo cúrsa do thosaitheoirí amháin.

This is a course for beginners only.

Bhí na tosaitheoirí neirbhíseach ar an gcéad lá.

The beginners were nervous on the first day.

Ní botún tosaitheora é sin ar chor ar bith.

That isn't a beginner's mistake at all.

Tá leabhar maith ann do thosaitheoir mar thusa.

There's a good book for a beginner like you.

Cuireadh mé i rang na dtosaitheoirí.

I was put in the beginners' class.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Beginner in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for beginner?

The Irish for beginner is tosaitheoir (pronounced “TUS-uh-hoar”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tosaitheoirí. Depending on context it can also mean starter.

How do you pronounce tosaitheoir in Irish?

Tosaitheoir is said like “TUS-uh-hoar” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɔsˠəhoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of beginner in Irish?

The plural of tosaitheoir is tosaitheoirí; with the article, na tosaitheoirí means “the beginners”. The genitive plural is tosaitheoirí, as in rang na dtosaitheoirí (the beginners' class).

Does tosaitheoir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tosaitheoir can mean beginner or starter, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tosaitheoir change to thosaitheoir or dtosaitheoir?

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

What is the difference between 'tosaitheoir' and 'foghlaimeoir'?

'Tosaitheoir' is someone just starting out, while 'foghlaimeoir' is any learner, at whatever level.

Beginner in Irish (Tosaitheoir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage