HeyRuaHow to say “employment” in Irish
- Irish:
- fostú
- English:
- employment, catching
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- fostaigh, to employ (ag fostú, employing)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “FOS-too” /ˈfˠɔsˠt̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- fostaithe, an fhostaithe (e.g. téarmaí fostaithe, terms of employment)
What does “fostú” mean?
“Fostú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- employment
- Verbal noun of the verb fostaigh: the act of employing or hiring someone, or the state of being employed.Also: employing, hiring, engagement.
1 other meaning: catching
- 2catching
- The act of catching, entangling or getting stuck, as when something gets caught on a hook or in a snag.Also: entanglement, snagging, hold.
Other Irish words for employment: fostaíocht (employment)
“Fostú” as a verbal noun
After ag, fostú means employing: it is the verbal noun of the verb fostaigh (to employ). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Fostú” with the article
Here is fostú after the article (an t-alt).
“Fostú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using fostú, the Irish word for employment.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Employment in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for employment?
The Irish for employment is fostú (pronounced “FOS-too”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean catching.
How do you pronounce fostú in Irish?
Fostú is said like “FOS-too” (IPA /ˈfˠɔsˠt̪ˠuː/).
Does fostú have a plural?
No plural form is given for fostú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does fostú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Fostú can mean employment or catching, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does fostú change to fhostú or bhfostú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fostú becomes m'fhostú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfostú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between fostú and fostaíocht?
Fostú is the verbal noun, the act of employing or being employed, while fostaíocht is the general noun for employment as a state or sector, as in 'ráta fostaíochta'.
How do I say employer and employee?
An employer is 'fostóir' and an employee is 'fostaí', both related to fostú.
