Excuse in Irish (Leithscéal): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for excuse?

The Irish for excuse is leithscéal (pronounced “LESH-shkayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leithscéalta. Depending on context it can also mean apology.

Q: What is the plural of excuse in Irish?

The plural of leithscéal is leithscéalta; with the article, na leithscéalta means “the excuses”. The genitive plural is leithscéalta, as in leithscéal na leithscéalta (the excuse of all excuses).

Q: Does leithscéal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leithscéal can mean excuse or apology, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “excuse” in Irish

Irish:: leithscéal
English:: excuse, apology
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “LESH-shkayl” /ˈl̠ʲeʃceːl̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: leithscéalta (excuses)
Genitive singular:: leithscéil, an leithscéil (e.g. litir leithscéil, letter of apology)
Genitive plural:: leithscéalta, na leithscéalta (e.g. leithscéal na leithscéalta, the excuse of all excuses)

What does “leithscéal” mean?

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

excuse: A reason given to explain or justify a fault or failure.Also: pretext, justification.

1 other meaning: apology

2apology: A statement saying you are sorry for something you did.Also: pardon, sorry.

“Leithscéal” with the article

The plural of excuse in Irish is leithscéalta. Here is leithscéal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an leithscéal

the excuse

No change after an

na leithscéalta

the excuses

Plural: no change after na

“Leithscéal” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leithscéal, the Irish word for excuse.

Níl leithscéal ar bith agat.

You have no excuse at all.

Gabh mo leithscéal, cá bhfuil an stáisiún?

Excuse me, where is the station?

Ghabh sé a leithscéal leis an múinteoir.

He apologised to the teacher.

Bíonn leithscéalta aige i gcónaí.

He always has excuses.

Ní ghlacaim leis an leithscéal sin.

I don't accept that excuse.

Chuir sí litir leithscéil chugainn.

She sent us a letter of apology.

Rinne mé leithscéal de mo thinneas.

I used my illness as an excuse.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

slíway samplaexample carrcar triúrthree people brúpressure DomhnachSunday

Phrases with “leithscéal”

Gabh mo leithscéalexcuse me Gabh mo leithscéalexcuse me Gabh mo leithscéal?pardon

Excuse in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for excuse?

The Irish for excuse is leithscéal (pronounced “LESH-shkayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leithscéalta. Depending on context it can also mean apology.

How do you pronounce leithscéal in Irish?

Leithscéal is said like “LESH-shkayl” (IPA /ˈl̠ʲeʃceːl̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of excuse in Irish?

The plural of leithscéal is leithscéalta; with the article, na leithscéalta means “the excuses”. The genitive plural is leithscéalta, as in leithscéal na leithscéalta (the excuse of all excuses).

Does leithscéal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leithscéal can mean excuse or apology, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'I apologise' in Irish?

Use the verb gabh: 'Gabhaim mo leithscéal', or simply 'Gabh mo leithscéal' for 'excuse me'.

Is 'tá brón orm' the same as 'gabh mo leithscéal'?

'Tá brón orm' expresses sorrow or regret, while 'gabh mo leithscéal' is the polite formula for excuse me or pardon.

Excuse in Irish (Leithscéal): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage