HeyRuaHow to say “homesickness” in Irish
- Irish:
- eolchaire
- English:
- homesickness, longing
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “OHL-khar-uh” /ˈoːlˠəxəɾʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- eolchaire, na heolchaire (e.g. brón na heolchaire, the sorrow of homesickness)
What does “eolchaire” mean?
“Eolchaire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- homesickness
- A sad longing for home or for familiar people and places when you are away from them.Also: nostalgia, longing for home, yearning.
1 other meaning: longing
- 2longing
- A sorrowful yearning or grief for someone or something lost or absent.Also: yearning, grief, pining.
“Eolchaire” with the article
Here is eolchaire after the article (an t-alt).
“Eolchaire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eolchaire, the Irish word for homesickness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Homesickness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for homesickness?
The Irish for homesickness is eolchaire (pronounced “OHL-khar-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longing.
How do you pronounce eolchaire in Irish?
Eolchaire is said like “OHL-khar-uh” (IPA /ˈoːlˠəxəɾʲə/).
Does eolchaire have a plural?
No plural form is given for eolchaire in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does eolchaire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eolchaire can mean homesickness or longing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does eolchaire sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eolchaire (the homesickness), a heolchaire (her homesickness), a n-eolchaire (their homesickness).
How do you say 'I am homesick' in Irish?
Use 'ar': 'Tá eolchaire orm', often with 'i ndiaidh' for what you miss, as in 'Tá eolchaire orm i ndiaidh an bhaile'.
What is the difference between eolchaire and cumha?
Both mean longing or loneliness; 'cumha' is more general grief or nostalgia, while 'eolchaire' especially suggests homesickness.
