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Choking in Irish (Tachtadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘tachtadh’ also means: blocking

The Irish for choking is tachtadh, a masculine noun. Ag tachtadh is choking, from the verb tacht.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “choking” in Irish

Irish:
tachtadh
English:
choking, blocking
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
tacht, to choke (ag tachtadh, choking)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“TOKH-too”  /ˈt̪ˠaxt̪ˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tachta, an tachta (e.g. contúirt tachta, danger of choking)

What does “tachtadh” mean?

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

choking
The verbal noun of 'tacht': the act of choking or strangling, or being choked.Also: strangling, strangulation, throttling, suffocation.
1 other meaning: blocking
2blocking
The blocking or clogging up of something such as a pipe or channel.Also: clogging, obstruction, stoppage.

“Tachtadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, tachtadh means choking: it is the verbal noun of the verb tacht (to choke). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
tachtadhverbal noun
=
ag tachtadhchoking

“Tachtadh” with the article

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

an tachtadh
the choking
No change after an

“Tachtadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tachtadh, the Irish word for choking.

Bhí an leanbh i mbaol tachta.
The child was in danger of choking.
Fuair sé bás de bharr tachta.
He died from strangulation.
Cuireann an deatach tachtadh orm.
The smoke chokes me.
Bhí tachtadh air leis an mbrón.
He was choked with grief.
Tharla an tachtadh agus é ag ithe.
The choking happened while he was eating.
Tá siad ag tachtadh a chéile sa chlós.
They are throttling each other in the yard.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Choking in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for choking?

The Irish for choking is tachtadh (pronounced “TOKH-too”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean blocking.

How do you pronounce tachtadh in Irish?

Tachtadh is said like “TOKH-too” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠaxt̪ˠə/).

Does tachtadh have a plural?

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

Does tachtadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tachtadh can mean choking or blocking, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tachtadh change to thachtadh or dtachtadh?

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

How do I say 'I'm choking' in Irish?

You can say 'Tá mé ag tachtadh', using the verbal noun tachtadh with 'ag'.

What is the difference between tachtadh and plúchadh?

Tachtadh is choking or strangling, often by the throat, while plúchadh is smothering or suffocating, as with smoke or a pillow.

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