HeyRuaHow to say “capital city” in Irish
- Irish:
- ardchathair
- English:
- capital city, metropolis
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AWRD-khah-hir” /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌxahəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- ardchathracha (capital cities)
- Genitive singular:
- ardchathrach, na hardchathrach (e.g. lár na hardchathrach, the centre of the capital)
- Genitive plural:
- ardchathracha, na n-ardchathracha (e.g. daonra na n-ardchathracha, the population of the capital cities)
What does “ardchathair” mean?
“Ardchathair” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- capital city
- The city where the government of a country or region is based.Also: capital, seat of government.
1 other meaning: metropolis
- 2metropolis
- A very large and important city.Also: major city.
Other Irish words for capital city: príomhchathair (capital city)
“Ardchathair” with the article
The plural of capital city in Irish is ardchathracha. Here is ardchathair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ardchathair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ardchathair, the Irish word for capital city.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Capital city in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for capital city?
The Irish for capital city is ardchathair (pronounced “AWRD-khah-hir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ardchathracha. Depending on context it can also mean metropolis.
How do you pronounce ardchathair in Irish?
Ardchathair is said like “AWRD-khah-hir” (IPA /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌxahəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of capital city in Irish?
The plural of ardchathair is ardchathracha; with the article, na hardchathracha means “the capital cities”. The genitive plural is ardchathracha, as in daonra na n-ardchathracha (the population of the capital cities).
Does ardchathair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ardchathair can mean capital city or metropolis, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ardchathair sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ardchathair (the capital city), a hardchathair (her capital city), a n-ardchathair (their capital city), na hardchathracha (the capital cities).
What is the difference between ardchathair and príomhchathair?
Both mean capital city; ardchathair is the usual word, while príomhchathair is also used, especially for a chief city of a region.
