Government in Irish (Rialtas): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for government?

The Irish for government is rialtas (pronounced “REE-ul-tus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rialtais. Depending on context it can also mean rule.

Q: What is the plural of government in Irish?

The plural of rialtas is rialtais; with the article, na rialtais means “the governments”. The genitive plural is rialtas, as in cruinniú na rialtas (the meeting of the governments).

Q: Does rialtas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rialtas can mean government or rule, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “government” in Irish

Irish:: rialtas
English:: government, rule
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “REE-ul-tus” /ˈɾˠiəl̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: rialtais (governments)
Genitive singular:: rialtais, an rialtais (e.g. beartas an rialtais, the government's policy)
Genitive plural:: rialtas, na rialtas (e.g. cruinniú na rialtas, the meeting of the governments)

What does “rialtas” mean?

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

government: The group of people who run a country or state and make its laws and policies.Also: administration, cabinet, executive.

1 other meaning: rule

2rule: The act or system of governing or controlling something; rule or regime.Also: governance, regime, control.

“Rialtas” with the article

The plural of government in Irish is rialtais. Here is rialtas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an rialtas

the government

No change after an

na rialtais

the governments

Plural: no change after na

“Rialtas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rialtas, the Irish word for government.

Tá an rialtas nua ag tosú ar a chuid oibre.

The new government is starting its work.

Cháin siad freagra an rialtais ar an ngéarchéim.

They criticised the government's response to the crisis.

Conas a dhéileálfaidh an rialtas le fadhb na dífhostaíochta?

How will the government deal with unemployment?

Bhagair sé a pháirtí a tharraingt amach as an rialtas.

He threatened to pull his party out of government.

Bhí rialtais éagsúla i gcumhacht le fiche bliain.

Various governments have been in power for twenty years.

Níl muinín ag daoine as an rialtas seo.

People have no confidence in this government.

Thit an rialtas tar éis an vóta.

The government fell after the vote.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

fórsaforce leithscéalexcuse bunúestablishment fódsod aeliver feiceáilseeing

Government in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for government?

The Irish for government is rialtas (pronounced “REE-ul-tus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rialtais. Depending on context it can also mean rule.

How do you pronounce rialtas in Irish?

Rialtas is said like “REE-ul-tus” (IPA /ˈɾˠiəl̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/).

What is the plural of government in Irish?

The plural of rialtas is rialtais; with the article, na rialtais means “the governments”. The genitive plural is rialtas, as in cruinniú na rialtas (the meeting of the governments).

Does rialtas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rialtas can mean government or rule, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the Irish for a coalition government?

The usual word is comhrialtas, though rialtas comhpháirtíochta is also heard.

How do I say 'in government' in Irish?

Use i rialtas or sa rialtas, for example 'tá an páirtí sa rialtas', the party is in government.

Government in Irish (Rialtas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage