HeyRuaHow to say “country” in Irish
- Irish:
- tír
- English:
- country, land
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “teer” /tʲiːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- tíortha (countries)
- Genitive singular:
- tíre, na tíre (e.g. muintir na tíre, the people of the country)
- Genitive plural:
- tíortha, na dtíortha (e.g. ceannairí na dtíortha, the leaders of the countries)
What does “tír” mean?
“Tír” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- country
- A nation or state with its own territory and people.Also: nation, state, homeland.
“Tír” with the article
The plural of country in Irish is tíortha. Here is tír after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tír” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tír, the Irish word for country.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Country in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for country?
The Irish for country is tír (pronounced “teer”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is tíortha. Depending on context it can also mean land.
How do you pronounce tír in Irish?
Tír is said like “teer” (IPA /tʲiːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of country in Irish?
The plural of tír is tíortha; with the article, na tíortha means “the countries”. The genitive plural is tíortha, as in ceannairí na dtíortha (the leaders of the countries).
Does tír have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tír can mean country or land, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tír change to thír or dtír?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tír becomes mo thír (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtír (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tír' and 'talamh'?
'Tír' means a country or land as opposed to sea (ar muir is ar tír), while 'talamh' means ground, soil or earth. You farm 'talamh' but you live in a 'tír'.
What does 'faoin tír' mean?
'Faoin tír' means 'in the countryside' or 'down the country', as in 'Tá cónaí orm faoin tír'.
