Direction in Irish (Aird): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for direction?

The Irish for direction is aird (pronounced “aardj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is airde. Depending on context it can also mean attention.

Q: What is the plural of direction in Irish?

The plural of aird is airde; with the article, na hairde means “the directions”. The genitive plural is airde, as in na ceithre airde (the four points of the compass).

Q: Does aird have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aird can mean direction or attention, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “direction” in Irish

Irish:: aird
English:: direction, attention
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “aardj” /aːɾˠdʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: airde (directions)
Genitive singular:: airde, na hairde (e.g. treo na hairde, the direction of the point)
Genitive plural:: airde, na n-airde (e.g. na ceithre airde, the four points of the compass)

What does “aird” mean?

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

direction: A direction or point of the compass, the way towards which something lies or moves.Also: point of the compass, quarter, bearing.

1 other meaning: attention

2attention: Notice or attention given to something, especially in the phrase 'aird a thabhairt ar', to pay attention to.Also: notice, heed, regard.

Other Irish words for direction: treo (direction), treoir (guidance)

“Aird” with the article

The plural of direction in Irish is airde. Here is aird after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an aird

the direction

No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

na hairde

the directions

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Aird” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aird, the Irish word for direction.

Níor thug mé mórán airde air.

I didn't pay much attention to it.

Tabhair aird ar an múinteoir, le do thoil.

Pay attention to the teacher, please.

Tháinig an stoirm aniar ón aird thiar.

The storm came in from the west.

Bhí daoine ag teacht as gach aird.

People were coming from every direction.

Tharraing an scéal aird na meán.

The story drew the attention of the media.

Cén aird a bhfuil an ghaoth inti?

Which direction is the wind in?

Scaip siad i ngach aird.

They scattered in all directions.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

aignemind éisteachtlistening amhrasdoubt rásaying comharcooperation trábeach

Direction in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for direction?

The Irish for direction is aird (pronounced “aardj”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is airde. Depending on context it can also mean attention.

How do you pronounce aird in Irish?

Aird is said like “aardj” (IPA /aːɾˠdʲ/).

What is the plural of direction in Irish?

The plural of aird is airde; with the article, na hairde means “the directions”. The genitive plural is airde, as in na ceithre airde (the four points of the compass).

Does aird have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aird can mean direction or attention, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does aird sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an aird (the direction), a haird (her direction), a n-aird (their direction), na hairde (the directions).

What is the difference between aird and airde?

Aird means direction or attention, and its genitive and plural are airde. Separately, airde (feminine, fourth declension) is a distinct noun meaning height.

How do I say 'pay attention' in Irish?

Use 'aird a thabhairt ar': 'Tabhair aird air' means pay attention to it.

Direction in Irish (Aird): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage