HeyRuaHow to say “digging” in Irish
- Irish:
- tochailt
- English:
- digging, excavation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- tochail, to dig (ag tochailt, digging)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TUKH-ilt” /ˈt̪ɔxəlʲtʲ/
- Plural:
- tochailtí
- Genitive singular:
- tochailte, na tochailte (e.g. obair tochailte, digging work)
- Genitive plural:
- tochailtí, na dtochailtí (e.g. suíomh na dtochailtí, the site of the excavations)
What does “tochailt” mean?
“Tochailt” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- digging
- The act of digging or excavating the ground; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'tochail'.Also: excavation, excavating, burrowing.
1 other meaning: excavation
- 2excavation
- A hole, pit or site that has been dug out, especially in archaeology.Also: dig, pit, diggings.
Other Irish words for digging: rómhar (digging)
“Tochailt” as a verbal noun
After ag, tochailt means digging: it is the verbal noun of the verb tochail (to dig). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Tochailt” with the article
The plural of digging in Irish is tochailtí. Here is tochailt after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tochailt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tochailt, the Irish word for digging.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Digging in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for digging?
The Irish for digging is tochailt (pronounced “TUKH-ilt”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is tochailtí. Depending on context it can also mean excavation.
How do you pronounce tochailt in Irish?
Tochailt is said like “TUKH-ilt” (IPA /ˈt̪ɔxəlʲtʲ/).
What is the plural of digging in Irish?
The plural of tochailt is tochailtí; with the article, it is na tochailtí. The genitive plural is tochailtí, as in suíomh na dtochailtí (the site of the excavations).
Does tochailt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tochailt can mean digging or excavation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tochailt change to thochailt or dtochailt?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tochailt becomes mo thochailt (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtochailt (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tochailt' and 'rómhar'?
'Tochailt' is digging or excavating in general, including animals burrowing, while 'rómhar' is specifically digging or turning soil with a spade for cultivation.
