Employment in Irish (Fostaíocht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for employment?

The Irish for employment is fostaíocht (pronounced “FOS-tee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean livery.

Q: Does fostaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fostaíocht can mean employment or livery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “employment” in Irish

Irish:: fostaíocht
English:: employment, livery
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “FOS-tee-ukht” /ˈfˠɔsˠt̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: fostaíochta, na fostaíochta (e.g. conradh fostaíochta, employment contract)

What does “fostaíocht” mean?

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

employment: The state of having paid work, or the giving of work to people by an employer.Also: job, work, hiring.

1 other meaning: livery

2livery: The keeping and feeding of horses for payment, as in a livery stable.Also: horse livery, livery stable.

Other Irish words for employment: fostú (employment)

“Fostaíocht” with the article

Here is fostaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an fhostaíocht

the employment

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Fostaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fostaíocht, the Irish word for employment.

Tá fostaíocht ag teastáil go géar sa cheantar seo.

Employment is badly needed in this area.

Fuair sé fostaíocht i monarcha i nGaillimh.

He got employment in a factory in Galway.

Tá an fhostaíocht ag méadú arís sa tír.

Employment is rising again in the country.

Shínigh mé conradh fostaíochta inné.

I signed an employment contract yesterday.

Tá sí ag lorg fostaíochta le bliain anuas.

She has been looking for work for the past year.

Bhí mé i bhfostaíocht lánaimseartha an samhradh sin.

I was in full-time employment that summer.

Cuireann an comhlacht fostaíocht ar fáil do chéad duine.

The company provides employment for a hundred people.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

seomraroom maidinmorning scannánfilm fáiltewelcome máthairmother údarauthor

Employment in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for employment?

The Irish for employment is fostaíocht (pronounced “FOS-tee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean livery.

How do you pronounce fostaíocht in Irish?

Fostaíocht is said like “FOS-tee-ukht” (IPA /ˈfˠɔsˠt̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does fostaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for fostaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does fostaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fostaíocht can mean employment or livery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fostaíocht change to fhostaíocht or bhfostaíocht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fostaíocht becomes m'fhostaíocht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfostaíocht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between fostaíocht and post?

Fostaíocht is employment in general, while post is a particular job or position: 'Fuair sé post' means 'He got a job'.

How do I say 'unemployment' in Irish?

Use dífhostaíocht; an unemployed person is described as 'dífhostaithe'.

Employment in Irish (Fostaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage