HeyRuaHow to say “father” in Irish
- Irish:
- athair
- English:
- father, father (priest), ancestor
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AH-hir” /ˈahəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- aithreacha (fathers)
- Genitive singular:
- athar, an athar (e.g. teach m'athar, my father's house)
- Genitive plural:
- aithreacha, na n-aithreacha (e.g. Lá na nAithreacha, Fathers' Day)
What does “athair” mean?
“Athair” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- father
- A male parent of a child.Also: dad, daddy, male parent.
2 other meanings: father (priest) or ancestor
- 2father (priest)
- A title and form of address for a Catholic priest or religious.Also: father, priest, reverend father.
- 3ancestor
- A forefather or founder of a family or people.Also: forefather, progenitor, sire.
“Athair” with the article
The plural of father in Irish is aithreacha. Here is athair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Athair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using athair, the Irish word for father.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Father in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for father?
The Irish for father is athair (pronounced “AH-hir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is aithreacha. Depending on context it can also mean father (priest) or ancestor.
How do you pronounce athair in Irish?
Athair is said like “AH-hir” (IPA /ˈahəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of father in Irish?
The plural of athair is aithreacha; with the article, na haithreacha means “the fathers”. The genitive plural is aithreacha, as in Lá na nAithreacha (Fathers' Day).
Does athair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Athair can mean father, father (priest) or ancestor, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does athair sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-athair (the father), a hathair (her father), a n-athair (their father), na haithreacha (the fathers).
How do I say 'my father' in Irish?
Use m'athair, since mo becomes m' before a vowel; 'your father' is d'athair.
Does 'Ár nAthair' mean something special?
Yes, 'Ár nAthair' is the Lord's Prayer, from its opening words 'Our Father'.
