Chatter in Irish (Cabaireacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for chatter?

The Irish for chatter is cabaireacht (pronounced “KAB-ir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean talkativeness.

Q: Does cabaireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cabaireacht can mean chatter or talkativeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chatter” in Irish

Irish:: cabaireacht
English:: chatter, talkativeness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KAB-ir-ukht” /ˈkabˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cabaireachta, na cabaireachta (e.g. fuaim na cabaireachta, the sound of the chatter)

What does “cabaireacht” mean?

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

chatter: Idle, continuous talk about unimportant things; prattling or gabbing.Also: prattle, babbling, gabbing, jabbering, palaver.

1 other meaning: talkativeness

2talkativeness: The habit or quality of talking too much.Also: loquacity, garrulity.

Other Irish words for chatter: clabaireacht (chatter), geabaireacht (chatter), geab (chatter), cadráil (chatter)

“Cabaireacht” with the article

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

an chabaireacht

the chatter

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cabaireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cabaireacht, the Irish word for chatter.

Éirigh as an gcabaireacht sin!

Stop that chatter!

Ní raibh ann ach cabaireacht.

It was nothing but idle talk.

Bhí cabaireacht ar siúl ag na páistí ar chúl an ranga.

The children were chattering at the back of the class.

Tá mé tuirseach de do chabaireacht.

I'm tired of your prattle.

Chuala mé cabaireacht sa seomra eile.

I heard chattering in the other room.

Níl aon deireadh lena cuid cabaireachta.

There's no end to her chatter.

Chaith siad an oíche ag cabaireacht cois tine.

They spent the night gabbing by the fire.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Chatter in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chatter?

The Irish for chatter is cabaireacht (pronounced “KAB-ir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean talkativeness.

How do you pronounce cabaireacht in Irish?

Cabaireacht is said like “KAB-ir-ukht” (IPA /ˈkabˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does cabaireacht have a plural?

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

Does cabaireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cabaireacht can mean chatter or talkativeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cabaireacht change to chabaireacht or gcabaireacht?

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

What is the difference between cabaireacht and comhrá?

Comhrá is a neutral word for conversation, while cabaireacht suggests idle or excessive chatter, often said disapprovingly.

What do you call a person who chatters?

A chatterbox is a cabaire, the noun from which cabaireacht is formed.

Chatter in Irish (Cabaireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage