Half-dead in Irish (Leathmharbh): Meaning & Forms

Q: What is the Irish for half-dead?

The Irish for half-dead is leathmharbh (pronounced “LAH-varv”). It comes after the noun: fear leathmharbh, a half-dead man; bean leathmharbh, a half-dead woman.

Q: What is the plural of leathmharbh?

With a plural noun leathmharbh becomes leathmharbha: fir leathmharbha, mná leathmharbha.

Q: How do you say very half-dead in Irish?

an-leathmharbh. Too half-dead is róleathmharbh, and as half-dead as is chomh leathmharbh le.

Q: Does leathmharbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leathmharbh can mean half-dead or lifeless, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “half-dead” in Irish

Irish:: leathmharbh
English:: half-dead, lifeless
Word type:: adjective
Plural:: leathmharbha
Pronunciation:: “LAH-varv” /ˈlʲahwaɾˠəvˠ/

What does “leathmharbh” mean?

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

half-dead: So exhausted, ill or injured that you feel or look nearly dead.Also: half dead, exhausted, worn out, nearly dead.

1 other meaning: lifeless

2lifeless: Dull and lacking energy or liveliness.Also: listless, sluggish, lethargic.

“Leathmharbh” after a noun

An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is leathmharbh after fear (man, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.

after a masculine nounfear leathmharbha half-dead man

after a feminine nounbean leathmharbha half-dead woman

after a plural nounfir leathmharbhahalf-dead men

séimhiú (the h) the ending

plural

firmen

leathmharbhahalf-dead, plural

fir leathmharbhahalf-dead men

With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, leathmharbha.

“Leathmharbh” in a sentence: Irish examples

With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.

Tháinig fear leathmharbh isteach sa teach.

A half-dead man came into the house.

Fuair siad bó leathmharbh sa pháirc.

They found a half-dead cow in the field.

Bhí na saighdiúirí leathmharbh tar éis na máirseála.

The soldiers were half-dead after the march.

Tá mé leathmharbh leis an tuirse.

I'm half-dead with tiredness.

Other adjectives in Irish

More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.

álainnbeautiful nádúrthanatural éascaeasy domhandaglobal pearsantapersonal fuarcold

Half-dead in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for half-dead?

The Irish for half-dead is leathmharbh (pronounced “LAH-varv”). It comes after the noun: fear leathmharbh, a half-dead man; bean leathmharbh, a half-dead woman.

What is the plural of leathmharbh?

With a plural noun leathmharbh becomes leathmharbha: fir leathmharbha, mná leathmharbha.

How do you say very half-dead in Irish?

an-leathmharbh. Too half-dead is róleathmharbh, and as half-dead as is chomh leathmharbh le.

Does leathmharbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leathmharbh can mean half-dead or lifeless, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Which preposition do I use to say what made me half-dead?

Use 'le' with the article: 'Tá mé leathmharbh leis an bhfuacht' means 'I'm half-dead with the cold'.

Half-dead in Irish (leathmharbh): Meaning, Forms, Examples