HeyRuaHow to say “change” in Irish
- Irish:
- malairt
- English:
- change, alternative, exchange
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAL-urt” /ˈmˠalˠəɾˠtʲ/
- Plural:
- malairtí (changes)
- Genitive singular:
- malairte, na malairte (e.g. ráta malairte, exchange rate)
- Genitive plural:
- malairtí, na malairtí (e.g. rogha na malairtí, the choice of alternatives)
What does “malairt” mean?
“Malairt” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- change
- A change from one thing to another, something different from what was there before.Also: difference, variation, switch.
2 other meanings: alternative or exchange
- 2alternative
- Another option or thing that can be used instead of something else.Also: other, option, substitute.
- 3exchange
- The act of giving one thing and receiving another in return.Also: swap, barter, trade.
Other Irish words for change: athrú (change), athraigh (change), mionairgead (small change), sóinseáil (change)
“Malairt” with the article
The plural of change in Irish is malairtí. Here is malairt after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Malairt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using malairt, the Irish word for change.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Change in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for change?
The Irish for change is malairt (pronounced “MAL-urt”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is malairtí. Depending on context it can also mean alternative or exchange.
How do you pronounce malairt in Irish?
Malairt is said like “MAL-urt” (IPA /ˈmˠalˠəɾˠtʲ/).
What is the plural of change in Irish?
The plural of malairt is malairtí; with the article, na malairtí means “the changes”. The genitive plural is malairtí, as in rogha na malairtí (the choice of alternatives).
Does malairt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Malairt can mean change, alternative or exchange, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does malairt change to mhalairt?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhalairt. After ár (our) it stays ár malairt, because m does not take eclipsis.
What does 'a mhalairt' mean?
'A mhalairt' means 'the opposite' or 'the reverse', as in 'is é a mhalairt atá fíor' (the opposite is true).
What is the difference between malairt and athrú?
'Athrú' is the general word for change or changing, while 'malairt' stresses a different thing or alternative, as in 'malairt éadaigh' (a change of clothes).
