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Compensation in Irish (Cúiteamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘cúiteamh’ also means: requital

The Irish for compensation is cúiteamh, a masculine noun. Ag cúiteamh is compensating, from the verb cúitigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “compensation” in Irish

Irish:
cúiteamh
English:
compensation, requital
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
cúitigh, to compensate (ag cúiteamh, compensating)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KOO-tyuv”  /ˈkuːtʲəw/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
cúitimh, an chúitimh (e.g. éileamh cúitimh, claim for compensation)

What does “cúiteamh” mean?

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

compensation
Something given to make up for a loss, injury or damage; also the verbal noun of the verb cúitigh, the act of compensating.Also: recompense, indemnity, reparation, restitution.
1 other meaning: requital
2requital
Repayment or return for something done, whether a kindness or a wrong.Also: repayment, return, retribution.

“Cúiteamh” as a verbal noun

After ag, cúiteamh means compensating: it is the verbal noun of the verb cúitigh (to compensate). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
cúiteamhverbal noun
=
ag cúiteamhcompensating

“Cúiteamh” with the article

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

an cúiteamh
the compensation
No change after an

“Cúiteamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cúiteamh, the Irish word for compensation.

Fuair sí cúiteamh as an timpiste.
She got compensation for the accident.
Tá siad ag lorg cúitimh ón gcomhlacht.
They are seeking compensation from the company.
Ní bhfuair mé aon chúiteamh fós.
I haven't received any compensation yet.
Bhí an cúiteamh i bhfad róbheag.
The compensation was far too small.
Rinne sé éileamh cúitimh ar an gcomhlacht árachais.
He made a compensation claim against the insurance company.
Is beag an cúiteamh é sin as ar fhulaingíomar.
That's poor compensation for what we suffered.
Íocadh cúiteamh airgid leis na feirmeoirí.
Monetary compensation was paid to the farmers.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Compensation in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for compensation?

The Irish for compensation is cúiteamh (pronounced “KOO-tyuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean requital.

How do you pronounce cúiteamh in Irish?

Cúiteamh is said like “KOO-tyuv” (IPA /ˈkuːtʲəw/).

Does cúiteamh have a plural?

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

Does cúiteamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cúiteamh can mean compensation or requital, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cúiteamh change to chúiteamh or gcúiteamh?

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

What verb is cúiteamh linked to?

It is the verbal noun of cúitigh, 'compensate, requite', so ag cúiteamh means 'compensating'.

How do I say 'compensation for' something?

Use as or i: cúiteamh as an damáiste, 'compensation for the damage'.

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