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Cleverness in Irish (Clisteacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for cleverness is clisteacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cleverness” in Irish

Irish:
clisteacht
English:
cleverness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“KLISH-tyukht”  /ˈkl͈ʲiʃtʲəxt/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
clisteachta, na clisteachta (e.g. leibhéal na clisteachta, the level of cleverness)

What does “clisteacht” mean?

cleverness
The quality of being clever, quick-witted or skilful.Also: smartness, intelligence, skill, dexterity.

Other Irish words for cleverness: gliceas (cleverness), gastacht (cleverness)

“Clisteacht” with the article

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

an chlisteacht
the cleverness
Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Clisteacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clisteacht, the Irish word for cleverness.

Bhí clisteacht iontach ag an bpáiste sin.
That child was remarkably clever.
Chuir an chlisteacht a bhí aici iontas orm.
Her cleverness amazed me.
Níl clisteacht ar bith ag baint leis an bplean.
There's nothing clever about the plan.
Bhain sé an cluiche le clisteacht seachas le neart.
He won the game through cleverness rather than strength.
Is iomaí cineál clisteachta atá ann.
There are many kinds of cleverness.
Níl aon teorainn lena chlisteacht.
There's no limit to his cleverness.
Mhol an múinteoir clisteacht na hoibre.
The teacher praised the cleverness of the work.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cleverness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cleverness?

The Irish for cleverness is clisteacht (pronounced “KLISH-tyukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce clisteacht in Irish?

Clisteacht is said like “KLISH-tyukht” (IPA /ˈkl͈ʲiʃtʲəxt/).

Does clisteacht have a plural?

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

Why does clisteacht change to chlisteacht or gclisteacht?

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

How is 'clisteacht' different from 'intleacht'?

'Clisteacht' is cleverness or smartness, often practical or quick-witted, from 'cliste'. 'Intleacht' is intellect or intelligence in a more formal, mental sense.

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