HeyRuaHow to say “east” in Irish
- Irish:
- oirthear
- English:
- east, the east, front
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “IR-hur” /ˈɛɾʲhəɾ/
- Genitive singular:
- oirthir, an oirthir (e.g. muintir an oirthir, the people of the east)
What does “oirthear” mean?
“Oirthear” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- east
- The eastern part of a place or the eastern region, as in the east of a country.Also: eastern part, eastern region, orient.
2 other meanings: the east or front
- 2the east
- With the article, an tOirthear means the Orient, the countries of Asia.Also: orient, far east.
- 3front
- An older or literary sense meaning the front or forepart of something.Also: front part, forepart.
“Oirthear” with the article
Here is oirthear after the article (an t-alt).
“Oirthear” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using oirthear, the Irish word for east.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
East in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for east?
The Irish for east is oirthear (pronounced “IR-hur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean the east or front.
How do you pronounce oirthear in Irish?
Oirthear is said like “IR-hur” (IPA /ˈɛɾʲhəɾ/).
Does oirthear have a plural?
No plural form is given for oirthear in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does oirthear have more than one meaning?
Yes. Oirthear can mean east, the east or front, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does oirthear sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-oirthear (the east), a hoirthear (her east), a n-oirthear (their east).
What is the difference between oirthear and thoir?
Oirthear is the noun for the east as a region (in oirthear na tíre), while thoir is an adverb meaning 'in the east' (tá sé thoir), with soir meaning 'eastwards' and anoir 'from the east'.
How do I say 'the Middle East' in Irish?
It is an Meánoirthear, a compound built on oirthear.
