HeyRua Get the app

Equivalence in Irish (Coibhéis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘coibhéis’ also means: equivalent

The Irish for equivalence is coibhéis, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “equivalence” in Irish

Irish:
coibhéis
English:
equivalence, equivalent
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“KIV-aysh”  /ˈkɪvʲeːʃ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
coibhéise, na coibhéise (e.g. prionsabal na coibhéise, the principle of equivalence)

What does “coibhéis” mean?

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

equivalence
The state of being equal in value, amount, meaning or effect to something else.Also: equivalent, equality of value.
1 other meaning: equivalent
2equivalent
Something that has the same value or function as another thing, as in 'the equivalent of'.Also: counterpart, match.

“Coibhéis” with the article

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

an choibhéis
the equivalence
Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Coibhéis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coibhéis, the Irish word for equivalence.

Níl coibhéis dhíreach ag an bhfocal sin i mBéarla.
That word has no direct equivalent in English.
Is í an choibhéis atá idir an dá chéim sin.
That is the equivalence between the two degrees.
Fuair sé coibhéis míosa de thuarastal.
He got the equivalent of a month's salary.
Tá ceist na coibhéise tábhachtach san aistriúchán.
The question of equivalence is important in translation.
Cad é an choibhéis Ghaeilge ar an téarma seo?
What is the Irish equivalent of this term?
Ghlac an ollscoil leis an gcoibhéis idir na cáilíochtaí.
The university accepted the equivalence between the qualifications.
Labhair an múinteoir faoi choibhéis i matamaitic.
The teacher spoke about equivalence in mathematics.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Equivalence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for equivalence?

The Irish for equivalence is coibhéis (pronounced “KIV-aysh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean equivalent.

How do you pronounce coibhéis in Irish?

Coibhéis is said like “KIV-aysh” (IPA /ˈkɪvʲeːʃ/).

Does coibhéis have a plural?

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

Does coibhéis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coibhéis can mean equivalence or equivalent, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coibhéis change to choibhéis or gcoibhéis?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coibhéis becomes mo choibhéis (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoibhéis (eclipsis).

How do I say 'the equivalent of' something in Irish?

Use 'coibhéis' followed by the genitive or 'de', for example 'coibhéis míosa de phá', the equivalent of a month's pay. The adjective 'equivalent' is 'coibhéiseach'.

Is 'coibhéis' the same as 'comhionannas'?

Not quite: 'comhionannas' means equality or identity, while 'coibhéis' means equivalence of value or meaning, often used in translation and qualifications.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like coibhéis through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen