Fosterage in Irish (Altramas): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for fosterage?

The Irish for fosterage is altramas (pronounced “AL-truh-mus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean nourishment, nurture.

Q: Does altramas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Altramas can mean fosterage or nourishment, nurture, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fosterage” in Irish

Irish:: altramas
English:: fosterage, nourishment, nurture
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “AL-truh-mus” /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠɾˠəmˠəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: altramais, an altramais (e.g. tréimhse an altramais, the period of fosterage)

What does “altramas” mean?

“Altramas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

fosterage: The bringing up of a child by people other than its parents, or the state of being fostered.Also: fostering, foster care, nursing.

1 other meaning: nourishment, nurture

2nourishment, nurture: Care and nourishment given to help someone or something grow, used figuratively.Also: nurture, nourishment, care, rearing.

“Altramas” with the article

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

an t-altramas

the fosterage

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Altramas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using altramas, the Irish word for fosterage.

Cuireadh an leanbh ar altramas nuair a bhí sé óg.

The child was put into foster care when he was young.

Bhí sí ar altramas ag a haintín.

She was fostered by her aunt.

Tá siad ag smaoineamh ar leanbh a ghlacadh ar altramas.

They are thinking of fostering a child.

Is cúram mór é an t-altramas.

Fostering is a big responsibility.

Chaith sé cúig bliana i dteach altramais.

He spent five years in a foster home.

Bhí an t-altramas coitianta in Éirinn fadó.

Fosterage was common in Ireland long ago.

Labhair sí faoi na tuismitheoirí altramais a bhí aici.

She spoke about the foster parents she had.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

coimeádkeeping tuairiscreport moilldelay áireamhcounting iascfish óigeyouth

Fosterage in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fosterage?

The Irish for fosterage is altramas (pronounced “AL-truh-mus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean nourishment, nurture.

How do you pronounce altramas in Irish?

Altramas is said like “AL-truh-mus” (IPA /ˈal̪ˠt̪ˠɾˠəmˠəsˠ/).

Does altramas have a plural?

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

Does altramas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Altramas can mean fosterage or nourishment, nurture, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does altramas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-altramas (the fosterage), a haltramas (her fosterage), a n-altramas (their fosterage).

What is the difference between 'altramas' and 'uchtú'?

'Altramas' is fostering, caring for a child who is not legally yours, while 'uchtú' is adoption, which makes the child legally your own.

How do I say a child is being fostered?

Use 'ar altramas': 'Tá an páiste ar altramas acu', meaning they are fostering the child.

Fosterage in Irish (Altramas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage