HeyRuaHow to say “change” in Irish
- Irish:
- athrú
- English:
- change, variation, mutation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- athraigh, to change (ag athrú, changing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “AH-roo” /ˈaɾˠuː/
- Plural:
- athruithe (changes)
- Genitive singular:
- athraithe, an athraithe (e.g. am an athraithe, the time of the change)
- Genitive plural:
- athruithe, na n-athruithe (e.g. tionchar na n-athruithe, the effect of the changes)
What does “athrú” mean?
“Athrú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- change
- The act of changing something, or a change that happens; it is the verbal noun of the verb athraigh.Also: changing, alteration, shift.
2 other meanings: variation or mutation
- 2variation
- A difference or variation from what was before or from the usual.Also: difference, modification.
- 3mutation
- In grammar, a change to the start of a word, such as lenition or eclipsis.Also: initial mutation.
Other Irish words for change: athraigh (change), malairt (change), mionairgead (small change), sóinseáil (change)
“Athrú” as a verbal noun
After ag, athrú means changing: it is the verbal noun of the verb athraigh (to change). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Athrú” with the article
The plural of change in Irish is athruithe. Here is athrú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Athrú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using athrú, 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 athrú (pronounced “AH-roo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is athruithe. Depending on context it can also mean variation or mutation.
How do you pronounce athrú in Irish?
Athrú is said like “AH-roo” (IPA /ˈaɾˠuː/).
What is the plural of change in Irish?
The plural of athrú is athruithe; with the article, na hathruithe means “the changes”. The genitive plural is athruithe, as in tionchar na n-athruithe (the effect of the changes).
Does athrú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Athrú can mean change, variation or mutation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does athrú sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-athrú (the change), a hathrú (her change), a n-athrú (their change), na hathruithe (the changes).
What is the difference between athrú and malairt?
Athrú is the act or fact of changing, while malairt means an alternative or exchange, as in malairt slí (another way).
How do I say 'change your mind' in Irish?
You can say athrú intinne for a change of mind, or use the verb: d'athraigh sé a intinn (he changed his mind).
