HeyRuaHow to say “counting” in Irish
- Irish:
- áireamh
- English:
- counting, calculation, number
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- áirigh, to count (ag áireamh, counting)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AW-ruv” /ˈɑːɾʲəw/
- Plural:
- áirimh
- Genitive singular:
- áirimh, an áirimh (e.g. lá an áirimh, the day of the count)
- Genitive plural:
- áireamh, na n-áireamh (e.g. torthaí na n-áireamh, the results of the counts)
What does “áireamh” mean?
“Áireamh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- counting
- The act of counting or reckoning things; it is the verbal noun of the verb áirigh.Also: count, reckoning, enumeration.
2 other meanings: calculation or number
- 2calculation
- A calculation or estimate of a number or amount.Also: reckoning, computation.
- 3number
- A number or amount of things, as in something being countable or considerable.Also: amount, quantity.
Other Irish words for counting: comhaireamh (counting)
“Áireamh” as a verbal noun
After ag, áireamh means counting: it is the verbal noun of the verb áirigh (to count). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Áireamh” with the article
The plural of counting in Irish is áirimh. Here is áireamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Áireamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using áireamh, the Irish word for counting.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Counting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for counting?
The Irish for counting is áireamh (pronounced “AW-ruv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is áirimh. Depending on context it can also mean calculation or number.
How do you pronounce áireamh in Irish?
Áireamh is said like “AW-ruv” (IPA /ˈɑːɾʲəw/).
What is the plural of counting in Irish?
The plural of áireamh is áirimh; with the article, it is na háirimh. The genitive plural is áireamh, as in torthaí na n-áireamh (the results of the counts).
Does áireamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Áireamh can mean counting, calculation or number, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does áireamh sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-áireamh (the counting), a háireamh (her counting), a n-áireamh (their counting).
What is the difference between áireamh and comhaireamh?
Both mean counting, but comhaireamh is the usual word for an official count, such as an election count, while áireamh is more general and literary.
What does 'le háireamh' mean?
Le háireamh means 'considerable, worth counting', as in 'liosta le háireamh', a long list.
