HeyRuaHow to say “fluent” in Irish
- Irish:
- líofa
- English:
- fluent, sharpened, polished
- Word type:
- adjective
- More fluent:
- níos líofa
- Most fluent:
- is líofa
- Pronunciation:
- “LEE-fa” /ˈlʲiːfˠə/
What does “líofa” mean?
“Líofa” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fluent
- Able to speak or write a language easily and well.Also: articulate, eloquent, smooth-spoken.
2 other meanings: sharpened or polished
- 2sharpened
- Ground or honed to a sharp edge, as of a blade.Also: ground, honed, sharp.
- 3polished
- Smooth and skilful in style or performance.Also: smooth, flowing.
“Líofa” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is líofa after cainteoir (speaker, masculine), after Gaeilge (Irish, feminine) and after a plural.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, líofa.
More fluent, most fluent, very fluent
Tá sí níos líofa ná a deartháir. She is more fluent than her brother.
| more fluent | níos líofa | in the past tense: ní ba líofa |
|---|---|---|
| most fluent | is líofa | in the past tense: ba líofa |
| as fluent as | chomh líofa le | no change after chomh |
| very fluent | an-líofa | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too fluent | rólíofa | ró- lenites |
“Líofa” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Fluent in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fluent?
The Irish for fluent is líofa (pronounced “LEE-fa”). It comes after the noun: cainteoir líofa, a fluent speaker; Gaeilge líofa, a fluent Irish.
How do you say more fluent and most fluent in Irish?
níos líofa is more fluent and is líofa is most fluent. In the past tense they become ní ba líofa and ba líofa.
How do you say very fluent in Irish?
an-líofa. Too fluent is rólíofa, and as fluent as is chomh líofa le.
Does líofa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Líofa can mean fluent, sharpened or polished, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How do I say I speak fluent Irish?
Say "Tá Gaeilge líofa agam", using the preposition ag. You can also say "Tá mé líofa sa Ghaeilge".
