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Capability in Irish (Inmhe): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘inmhe’ also means: maturity

The Irish for capability is inmhe, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “capability” in Irish

Irish:
inmhe
English:
capability, maturity
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“IN-yeh-vyeh”  /ˈɪnʲəvʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
inmhe, na hinmhe (e.g. aois inmhe, age of maturity)

What does “inmhe” mean?

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

capability
The state of being able or fit to do something, mostly used in the phrase 'in inmhe' (able, capable).Also: ability, capacity, being able.
1 other meaning: maturity
2maturity
The state of having reached full growth or adulthood, as in 'teacht in inmhe' (to come of age, to mature).Also: coming of age, full growth, adulthood.

Other Irish words for capability: cumas (ability), ábaltacht (ability)

“Inmhe” with the article

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

an inmhe
the capability
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Inmhe” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using inmhe, the Irish word for capability.

Níl sé in inmhe an obair a dhéanamh fós.
He isn't able to do the work yet.
An mbeidh tú in inmhe teacht amárach?
Will you be able to come tomorrow?
Tháinig na páistí in inmhe go tapa.
The children grew up quickly.
Nuair a tháinig sí in inmhe, d'fhág sí an baile.
When she came of age, she left home.
Níl sí in inmhe an carr a thiomáint fós.
She isn't able to drive the car yet.
Ní raibh an seanfhear in inmhe siúl.
The old man wasn't able to walk.
Shroich sé aois inmhe anuraidh.
He reached the age of maturity last year.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Capability in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for capability?

The Irish for capability is inmhe (pronounced “IN-yeh-vyeh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean maturity.

How do you pronounce inmhe in Irish?

Inmhe is said like “IN-yeh-vyeh” (IPA /ˈɪnʲəvʲə/).

Does inmhe have a plural?

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

Does inmhe have more than one meaning?

Yes. Inmhe can mean capability or maturity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an inmhe (the capability), a hinmhe (her capability), a n-inmhe (their capability).

How do I say 'able to' using inmhe?

Use 'in inmhe' with the verb 'bí' and a verbal noun: 'Tá mé in inmhe snámh' means 'I am able to swim'.

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