Famine in Irish (Gorta): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for famine?

The Irish for famine is gorta (pronounced “GUR-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gortaí. Depending on context it can also mean hunger.

Q: What is the plural of famine in Irish?

The plural of gorta is gortaí; with the article, na gortaí means “the famines”. The genitive plural is gortaí, as in stair na ngortaí (the history of the famines).

Q: Does gorta have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gorta can mean famine or hunger, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “famine” in Irish

Irish:: gorta
English:: famine, hunger
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GUR-tuh” /ˈɡɔɾˠt̪ˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: gortaí (famines)
Genitive singular:: gorta, an ghorta (e.g. aimsir an ghorta, the time of the famine)
Genitive plural:: gortaí, na ngortaí (e.g. stair na ngortaí, the history of the famines)

What does “gorta” mean?

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

famine: A severe and widespread shortage of food in a country or region, causing many people to starve.Also: food shortage, dearth.

1 other meaning: hunger

2hunger: Extreme hunger or starvation suffered by a person.Also: starvation, starving.

“Gorta” with the article

The plural of famine in Irish is gortaí. Here is gorta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gorta

the famine

No change after an

na gortaí

the famines

Plural: no change after na

“Gorta” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gorta, the Irish word for famine.

Bhí gorta uafásach in Éirinn sa naoú haois déag.

There was a terrible famine in Ireland in the nineteenth century.

D'fhág siad an tír aimsir an ghorta.

They left the country during the famine.

Tá an gorta sa tSúdáin ag dul in olcas.

The famine in Sudan is getting worse.

Fuair na mílte bás le linn an Ghorta Mhóir.

Thousands died during the Great Famine.

Tharla gortaí go minic san Afraic.

Famines happened often in Africa.

Bhí mo shinsir beo i rith an ghorta.

My ancestors were alive during the famine.

Fuair go leor daoine bás den ghorta.

Many people died of the famine.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Famine in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for famine?

The Irish for famine is gorta (pronounced “GUR-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gortaí. Depending on context it can also mean hunger.

How do you pronounce gorta in Irish?

Gorta is said like “GUR-tuh” (IPA /ˈɡɔɾˠt̪ˠə/).

What is the plural of famine in Irish?

The plural of gorta is gortaí; with the article, na gortaí means “the famines”. The genitive plural is gortaí, as in stair na ngortaí (the history of the famines).

Does gorta have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gorta can mean famine or hunger, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gorta change to ghorta or ngorta?

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

What is the difference between 'gorta' and 'ocras'?

'Ocras' is ordinary hunger, as in 'tá ocras orm' (I am hungry), while 'gorta' means famine or severe starvation affecting many people.

Famine in Irish (Gorta): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage