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Fluency in Irish (Líofacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘líofacht’ also means: sharpness · alacrity

The Irish for fluency is líofacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “fluency” in Irish

Irish:
líofacht
English:
fluency, sharpness, alacrity
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“LEE-uh-fukht”  /ˈlʲiəfˠəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
líofachta, na líofachta (e.g. leibhéal líofachta, level of fluency)

What does “líofacht” mean?

“Líofacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

fluency
The ability to speak or write a language smoothly and easily.Also: eloquence, fluentness, glibness.
2 other meanings: sharpness or alacrity
2sharpness
The quality of being sharp or keen, as of a blade, or polished.Also: keenness, polish.
3alacrity
Readiness, quickness or eagerness in doing something.Also: readiness, quickness.

“Líofacht” with the article

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

an líofacht
the fluency
No change after an

“Líofacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using líofacht, the Irish word for fluency.

Tá líofacht iontach aici sa Ghaeilge.
She is wonderfully fluent in Irish.
Tagann an líofacht le cleachtadh.
Fluency comes with practice.
Ba mhaith liom mo líofacht a fheabhsú.
I'd like to improve my fluency.
Chuaigh sé go Conamara chun a líofacht a fheabhsú.
He went to Connemara to improve his fluency.
Bhí easpa líofachta ar an mac léinn.
The student lacked fluency.
Labhair sí le líofacht agus le muinín.
She spoke fluently and confidently.
Cuireann an scrúdú béil béim ar líofacht.
The oral exam puts emphasis on fluency.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Fluency in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fluency?

The Irish for fluency is líofacht (pronounced “LEE-uh-fukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sharpness or alacrity.

How do you pronounce líofacht in Irish?

Líofacht is said like “LEE-uh-fukht” (IPA /ˈlʲiəfˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does líofacht have a plural?

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

Does líofacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Líofacht can mean fluency, sharpness or alacrity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say someone is fluent in Irish?

You can say 'Tá Gaeilge líofa aige' or 'Tá líofacht aige sa Ghaeilge'; the adjective líofa is more common in everyday speech.

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