HeyRuaHow to say “day” in Irish
- Irish:
- lá
- English:
- day, day (occasion)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “law” /l̪ˠɑː/
- Plural:
- laethanta (days)
- Genitive singular:
- lae, an lae (e.g. solas an lae, the light of day)
- Genitive plural:
- laethanta, na laethanta (e.g. i rith na laethanta, during the days)
What does “lá” mean?
“Lá” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- day
- A period of twenty-four hours, or the time of daylight between morning and night.Also: daytime, daylight, date.
1 other meaning: day (occasion)
- 2day (occasion)
- A particular day set aside for an event or celebration, as in a feast day or market day.Also: day, occasion, holiday, feast day.
“Lá” with the article
The plural of day in Irish is laethanta. Here is lá after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Lá” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using lá, the Irish word for day.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “lá”
Day in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for day?
The Irish for day is lá (pronounced “law”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is laethanta. Depending on context it can also mean day (occasion).
How do you pronounce lá in Irish?
Lá is said like “law” (IPA /l̪ˠɑː/).
What is the plural of day in Irish?
The plural of lá is laethanta; with the article, na laethanta means “the days”. The genitive plural is laethanta, as in i rith na laethanta (during the days).
Does lá have more than one meaning?
Yes. Lá can mean day or day (occasion), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why do numbers use 'lá' instead of 'laethanta'?
After numbers Irish uses the singular, so 'trí lá' means three days; 'laethanta' is used without a number, as in 'na laethanta seo'.
How do I say 'one day' in a story?
Use 'lá amháin' or 'aon lá amháin' for 'one day', and 'an lá cheana' for 'the other day'.
