HeyRuaHow to say “favour” in Irish
- Irish:
- gar
- English:
- favour, use, nearness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “gar” /ɡaɾˠ/
- Plural:
- garanna (favours)
- Genitive singular:
- gair, an ghair (e.g. luach an ghair, the value of the favour)
- Genitive plural:
- garanna, na ngaranna (e.g. liosta na ngaranna, the list of the favours)
What does “gar” mean?
“Gar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- favour
- A helpful act or kindness done for someone, as in doing someone a favour.Also: good turn, kindness, service.
2 other meanings: use or nearness
- 2use
- Benefit or point in doing something, usually in negative phrases like 'níl gar ann', there is no use.Also: point, benefit, good.
- 3nearness
- The state or place of being near something, mostly in the phrase 'i ngar do', in the vicinity of.Also: proximity, vicinity, convenience.
Other Irish words for favour: comaoin (favour), fabhar (favour)
“Gar” with the article
The plural of favour in Irish is garanna. Here is gar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gar, the Irish word for favour.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Favour in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for favour?
The Irish for favour is gar (pronounced “gar”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is garanna. Depending on context it can also mean use or nearness.
How do you pronounce gar in Irish?
Gar is said like “gar” (IPA /ɡaɾˠ/).
What is the plural of favour in Irish?
The plural of gar is garanna; with the article, na garanna means “the favours”. The genitive plural is garanna, as in liosta na ngaranna (the list of the favours).
Does gar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gar can mean favour, use or nearness, depending on context; the first is the most common. Gar also has its own entry as an adjective meaning near.
Why does gar change to ghar or ngar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gar becomes mo ghar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngar (eclipsis).
How do I ask for a favour in Irish?
Say 'An ndéanfá gar dom?', would you do me a favour? 'Gar a dhéanamh do dhuine' means to do someone a favour.
What does 'níl gar ann' mean?
It means there is no use or no point, as in 'Níl gar a bheith ag gearán', there's no point complaining.
