HeyRuaHow to say “early” in Irish
- Irish:
- luath
- English:
- early, quick
- Word type:
- adjective
- Earlier:
- níos luaithe
- Earliest:
- is luaithe
- Plural:
- luatha
- Pronunciation:
- “loo-ah” /l̪ˠuəh/
What does “luath” mean?
“Luath” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- early
- Happening or arriving before the usual or expected time.Also: soon, premature.
1 other meaning: quick
- 2quick
- Moving or acting with speed.Also: fast, swift, rapid.
Other Irish adjectives for early: moch (early)
“Luath” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is luath after bus (bus, masculine), after maidin (morning, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, luatha.
Earlier, earliest, very early
D'éirigh sí níos luaithe ná mise. She got up earlier than me.
| earlier | níos luaithe | in the past tense: ní ba luaithe |
|---|---|---|
| earliest | is luaithe | in the past tense: ba luaithe |
| as early as | chomh luath le | no change after chomh |
| very early | an-luath | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too early | róluath | ró- lenites |
“Luath” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Phrases with luath: Go dtaga biseach ort go luath (get well soon), Feicfidh mé go luath thú (see you soon)
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Phrases with “luath”
Early in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for early?
The Irish for early is luath (pronounced “loo-ah”). It comes after the noun: bus luath, an early bus; maidin luath, an early morning.
How do you say earlier and earliest in Irish?
níos luaithe is earlier and is luaithe is earliest. In the past tense they become ní ba luaithe and ba luaithe.
What is the plural of luath?
With a plural noun luath becomes luatha: busanna luatha, maidineacha luatha.
How do you say very early in Irish?
an-luath. Too early is róluath, and as early as is chomh luath le.
Does luath have more than one meaning?
Yes. Luath can mean early or quick, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'luath' and 'moch'?
'Luath' is the general word for early, while 'moch' refers especially to early in the morning, as in 'go moch ar maidin'.
How do I say 'as soon as' in Irish?
Use 'chomh luath agus' or 'chomh luath is', for example 'chomh luath agus a thagann sé' means 'as soon as he comes'.
