HeyRuaHow to say “foreign” in Irish
- Irish:
- eachtrach
- English:
- foreign, external
- Word type:
- adjective
- More foreign:
- níos eachtraí
- Most foreign:
- is eachtraí
- Plural:
- eachtracha
- Pronunciation:
- “AKH-trakh” /ˈaxt̪ˠɾˠəx/
What does “eachtrach” mean?
“Eachtrach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- foreign
- Coming from or relating to another country.Also: overseas, external.
1 other meaning: external
- 2external
- On the outside or coming from outside.Also: outside, outer, extraneous.
Other Irish adjectives for foreign: gallda (foreign), eachtrannach (foreign), iasachtach (foreign), strainséartha (strange)
“Eachtrach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is eachtrach after beartas (policy, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, eachtracha.
More foreign, most foreign, very foreign
| more foreign | níos eachtraí | in the past tense: ní b'eachtraí |
|---|---|---|
| most foreign | is eachtraí | in the past tense: ab eachtraí |
| as foreign as | chomh heachtrach le | chomh puts an h before a vowel |
| very foreign | an-eachtrach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too foreign | ró-eachtrach | ró- lenites |
“Eachtrach” 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.
Foreign in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for foreign?
The Irish for foreign is eachtrach (pronounced “AKH-trakh”). It comes after the noun: beartas eachtrach, a foreign policy; bean eachtrach, a foreign woman.
How do you say more foreign and most foreign in Irish?
níos eachtraí is more foreign and is eachtraí is most foreign. In the past tense they become ní b'eachtraí and ab eachtraí.
What is the plural of eachtrach?
With a plural noun eachtrach becomes eachtracha: beartais eachtracha, mná eachtracha.
How do you say very foreign in Irish?
an-eachtrach. Too foreign is ró-eachtrach, and as foreign as is chomh heachtrach le.
Does eachtrach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eachtrach can mean foreign or external, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'eachtrach' and 'iasachta'?
'Eachtrach' is used for foreign relations and affairs, as in 'gnóthaí eachtracha', while 'iasachta' describes foreign things or people, as in 'teanga iasachta' (a foreign language).
