Help in Irish (Cabhair): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for help?

The Irish for help is cabhair (pronounced “KOW-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cabhracha. Depending on context it can also mean relief.

Q: What is the plural of help in Irish?

The plural of cabhair is cabhracha; with the article, it is na cabhracha. The genitive plural is cabhracha, as in soláthar na gcabhracha (the provision of aids).

Q: Does cabhair have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cabhair can mean help or relief, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “help” in Irish

Irish:: cabhair
English:: help, relief
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:: “KOW-ir” /ˈkəuɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cabhracha
Genitive singular:: cabhrach, na cabhrach (e.g. lucht na cabhrach, the helpers)
Genitive plural:: cabhracha, na gcabhracha (e.g. soláthar na gcabhracha, the provision of aids)

What does “cabhair” mean?

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

help: Support or assistance given to someone who needs it.Also: aid, assistance, support.

1 other meaning: relief

2relief: Relief or succour given in time of distress or need.Also: succour, rescue.

Other Irish words for help: cúnamh (help), cuidigh (help), cabhraigh (help), cuidiú (help)

“Cabhair” with the article

The plural of help in Irish is cabhracha. Here is cabhair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chabhair

the help

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cabhracha

the help (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Cabhair” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cabhair, the Irish word for help.

Ní aon chabhair é.

That's no help.

Thairg siad cabhair dom.

They offered me help.

An dtugann sí cabhair dó?

Does she help him?

Tá cabhair ag teastáil uaim leis an obair seo.

I need help with this work.

Ghlaoigh sé ar na comharsana ag lorg cabhrach.

He called the neighbours looking for help.

Go raibh maith agat as do chabhair.

Thank you for your help.

Tháinig an chabhair rómhall.

The help came too late.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

troidfight fórsaforce leithscéalexcuse bunúestablishment fódsod aeliver

Phrases with “cabhair”

Go raibh maith agat as do chabhairthank you for your help Go raibh maith agat as do chabhairthank you for your help

Help in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for help?

The Irish for help is cabhair (pronounced “KOW-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cabhracha. Depending on context it can also mean relief.

How do you pronounce cabhair in Irish?

Cabhair is said like “KOW-ir” (IPA /ˈkəuɾʲ/).

What is the plural of help in Irish?

The plural of cabhair is cabhracha; with the article, it is na cabhracha. The genitive plural is cabhracha, as in soláthar na gcabhracha (the provision of aids).

Does cabhair have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cabhair can mean help or relief, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cabhair change to chabhair or gcabhair?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cabhair becomes mo chabhair (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcabhair (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'cabhair' and 'cúnamh'?

Both mean help; 'cabhair' is the general standard word, while 'cúnamh' is especially common in Connacht and Ulster speech.

How do I say 'help me' with this word?

You can say 'Tabhair cabhair dom' (give me help), though the verb is more usual: 'Cabhraigh liom'.

Help in Irish (Cabhair): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage