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Courage in Irish (Coráiste): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘coráiste’ also means: impudence

The Irish for courage is coráiste, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “courage” in Irish

Irish:
coráiste
English:
courage, impudence
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“kuh-RAWSH-tchuh”  /kəˈɾˠɑːʃtʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
coráiste, an choráiste (e.g. easpa coráiste, lack of courage)

What does “coráiste” mean?

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

courage
The quality of being brave and facing danger or difficulty without fear.Also: bravery, pluck, nerve.
1 other meaning: impudence
2impudence
Bold or cheeky behaviour that shows a lack of respect.Also: gall, cheek, brazenness.

Other Irish words for courage: misneach (courage), crógacht (bravery)

“Coráiste” with the article

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

an coráiste
the courage
No change after an

“Coráiste” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coráiste, the Irish word for courage.

Tá coráiste mór aici.
She has great courage.
Níl an coráiste agam é a rá leis.
I don't have the courage to tell him.
Thaispeáin sé coráiste nuair a bhí sé tinn.
He showed courage when he was ill.
Ba ghníomh coráiste é sin.
That was an act of courage.
Chaill mé mo choráiste ag an nóiméad deireanach.
I lost my nerve at the last moment.
Bhí de choráiste aige an t-airgead a iarraidh arís!
He had the gall to ask for the money again!
Tabhair coráiste dó, tá sé neirbhíseach.
Give him encouragement, he's nervous.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Courage in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for courage?

The Irish for courage is coráiste (pronounced “kuh-RAWSH-tchuh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean impudence.

How do you pronounce coráiste in Irish?

Coráiste is said like “kuh-RAWSH-tchuh” (IPA /kəˈɾˠɑːʃtʲə/).

Does coráiste have a plural?

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

Does coráiste have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coráiste can mean courage or impudence, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coráiste change to choráiste or gcoráiste?

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

What is the difference between coráiste and misneach?

Both mean courage, but misneach is the more common native word, while coráiste is a borrowing that can also mean cheek or gall, as in 'bhí de choráiste aige'.

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