Flirting in Irish (Cliúsaíocht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for flirting?

The Irish for flirting is cliúsaíocht (pronounced “KLOO-see-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “flirting” in Irish

Irish:: cliúsaíocht
English:: flirting
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “KLOO-see-ukht” /ˈklʲuːsiəxt̪/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cliúsaíochta, na cliúsaíochta (e.g. cluiche na cliúsaíochta, the game of flirting)

What does “cliúsaíocht” mean?

flirting: Playful behaviour that shows romantic interest in someone without serious intent.Also: flirtation, coquetry, dalliance.

“Cliúsaíocht” with the article

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

an chliúsaíocht

the flirting

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cliúsaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cliúsaíocht, the Irish word for flirting.

Bhí sé ag cliúsaíocht léi ar feadh na hoíche.

He was flirting with her all night.

Ní maith liom an chliúsaíocht sin.

I don't like that flirting.

Níl ann ach cliúsaíocht, ná bí buartha.

It's only flirting, don't worry.

Tá sí go maith ag an gcliúsaíocht.

She's good at flirting.

Stop an chliúsaíocht agus déan do chuid oibre.

Stop the flirting and do your work.

Bhí go leor cliúsaíochta ar siúl ag an damhsa.

There was a lot of flirting at the dance.

Thosaigh an chliúsaíocht eatarthu sa choláiste.

The flirting between them started in college.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Flirting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for flirting?

The Irish for flirting is cliúsaíocht (pronounced “KLOO-see-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce cliúsaíocht in Irish?

Cliúsaíocht is said like “KLOO-see-ukht” (IPA /ˈklʲuːsiəxt̪/).

Does cliúsaíocht have a plural?

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

Why does cliúsaíocht change to chliúsaíocht or gcliúsaíocht?

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

How is 'cliúsaíocht' different from 'suirí'?

'Cliúsaíocht' is light, playful flirting, while 'suirí' means courting or wooing with more serious romantic intent.

How do I say someone is flirting?

Use 'ag cliúsaíocht' with 'le': 'Tá sé ag cliúsaíocht léi' means 'He is flirting with her'.

Flirting in Irish (Cliúsaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage