Civilization in Irish (Sibhialtacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for civilization?

The Irish for civilization is sibhialtacht (pronounced “SHIV-ee-uhl-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sibhialtachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean civility.

Q: What is the plural of civilization in Irish?

The plural of sibhialtacht is sibhialtachtaí; with the article, na sibhialtachtaí means “the civilizations”. The genitive plural is sibhialtachtaí, as in fás na sibhialtachtaí (the growth of the civilizations).

Q: Does sibhialtacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sibhialtacht can mean civilization or civility, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “civilization” in Irish

Irish:: sibhialtacht
English:: civilization, civility
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “SHIV-ee-uhl-tukht” /ˈʃɪvʲiəl̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: sibhialtachtaí (civilizations)
Genitive singular:: sibhialtachta, na sibhialtachta (e.g. stair na sibhialtachta, the history of civilization)
Genitive plural:: sibhialtachtaí, na sibhialtachtaí (e.g. fás na sibhialtachtaí, the growth of the civilizations)

What does “sibhialtacht” mean?

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

civilization: An advanced, organised society with its own culture, laws and way of life.Also: civilisation, culture, society.

1 other meaning: civility

2civility: Polite, courteous and civilised behaviour towards others.Also: courtesy, politeness, civilized behaviour.

“Sibhialtacht” with the article

The plural of civilization in Irish is sibhialtachtaí. Here is sibhialtacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tsibhialtacht

the civilization

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

na sibhialtachtaí

the civilizations

Plural: no change after na

“Sibhialtacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sibhialtacht, the Irish word for civilization.

Bhí sibhialtacht agus cultúr na tíre ag titim as a chéile.

The country's civilization and culture were falling apart.

Is sibhialtacht ársa í an Éigipt.

Egypt is an ancient civilization.

Thosaigh an tsibhialtacht in aice le haibhneacha móra.

Civilization began near great rivers.

Táimid ag foghlaim faoi shibhialtachtaí na Gréige agus na Róimhe.

We are learning about the civilizations of Greece and Rome.

Is cuid de bhunús na sibhialtachta an scríbhneoireacht.

Writing is part of the foundation of civilization.

Bhí sibhialtacht iontach i Meiriceá Theas fadó.

There was a wonderful civilization in South America long ago.

Níor léirigh sé mórán sibhialtachta dúinn.

He did not show us much civility.

Other nouns in Irish

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Civilization in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for civilization?

The Irish for civilization is sibhialtacht (pronounced “SHIV-ee-uhl-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sibhialtachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean civility.

How do you pronounce sibhialtacht in Irish?

Sibhialtacht is said like “SHIV-ee-uhl-tukht” (IPA /ˈʃɪvʲiəl̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of civilization in Irish?

The plural of sibhialtacht is sibhialtachtaí; with the article, na sibhialtachtaí means “the civilizations”. The genitive plural is sibhialtachtaí, as in fás na sibhialtachtaí (the growth of the civilizations).

Does sibhialtacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sibhialtacht can mean civilization or civility, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does sibhialtacht change to shibhialtacht?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shibhialtacht. After ár (our) it stays ár sibhialtacht, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'sibhialtacht' and 'cultúr'?

'Sibhialtacht' is a whole advanced society or civilization, while 'cultúr' means culture, the arts, customs and traditions of a people.

Civilization in Irish (Sibhialtacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage