Cleverness in Irish (Gastacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cleverness?

The Irish for cleverness is gastacht (pronounced “GAS-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean speed.

Q: Does gastacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gastacht can mean cleverness or speed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cleverness” in Irish

Irish:: gastacht
English:: cleverness, speed
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “GAS-tukht” /ˈɡasˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gastachta, na gastachta (e.g. cruthúnas na gastachta, proof of the cleverness)

What does “gastacht” mean?

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

cleverness: The quality of being quick-witted, smart or ingenious.Also: smartness, ingenuity, quickness, resourcefulness.

1 other meaning: speed

2speed: The quality of being quick or fast in action.Also: quickness, swiftness, nimbleness.

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

“Gastacht” with the article

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

an ghastacht

the cleverness

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gastacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

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

Bhí gastacht iontach ag an bpáiste sin.

That child was remarkably clever.

Chuir a gastacht iontas ar an múinteoir.

Her cleverness amazed the teacher.

Tá gastacht ag teastáil sa phost seo.

Quickness is needed in this job.

Bhain sé an cluiche le gastacht.

He won the game through cleverness.

Ní raibh aon ghastacht ionam ar maidin.

I wasn't very quick this morning.

Mhol siad gastacht a smaointe.

They praised the quickness of his thinking.

Is mór an bua an ghastacht sin.

That cleverness is a great gift.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

dathcolour seomraroom maidinmorning scannánfilm fáiltewelcome máthairmother

Cleverness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cleverness?

The Irish for cleverness is gastacht (pronounced “GAS-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean speed.

How do you pronounce gastacht in Irish?

Gastacht is said like “GAS-tukht” (IPA /ˈɡasˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does gastacht have a plural?

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

Does gastacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gastacht can mean cleverness or speed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gastacht change to ghastacht or ngastacht?

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

How is 'gastacht' different from 'clisteacht'?

Both mean cleverness; 'gastacht' (from 'gasta', quick) stresses quickness and smartness, while 'clisteacht' leans towards skill and dexterity.

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