HeyRuaHow to say “ebb” in Irish
- Irish:
- aife
- English:
- ebb, decline, reflux
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AF-uh” /ˈafʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- aife, na haife (e.g. taoide aife, ebbing tide)
What does “aife” mean?
“Aife” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ebb
- The going out of the tide, when the sea falls back from the shore.Also: ebb tide, low tide, receding tide.
2 other meanings: decline or reflux
- 2decline
- A falling off or weakening of something, such as strength, fortune or activity.Also: decay, waning, ebbing.
- 3reflux
- A flowing back of a liquid, as in chemistry or medicine.Also: backflow.
Other Irish words for ebb: trá (ebb)
“Aife” with the article
Here is aife after the article (an t-alt).
“Aife” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using aife, the Irish word for ebb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ebb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ebb?
The Irish for ebb is aife (pronounced “AF-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean decline or reflux.
How do you pronounce aife in Irish?
Aife is said like “AF-uh” (IPA /ˈafʲə/).
Does aife have a plural?
No plural form is given for aife in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does aife have more than one meaning?
Yes. Aife can mean ebb, decline or reflux, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does aife sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an aife (the ebb), a haife (her ebb), a n-aife (their ebb).
How do I say something is declining or ebbing?
Use the phrase 'dul in aife', as in 'Tá an taoide ag dul in aife' (the tide is going out), and it is used figuratively too: 'Chuaigh a cháil in aife' (his fame waned).
What is the opposite of 'aife'?
The flowing or full tide is 'lán mara' or 'tuile', so 'aife agus tuile' means ebb and flow.
