Innkeeper in Irish (Óstóir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for innkeeper?

The Irish for innkeeper is óstóir (pronounced “OH-stohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is óstóirí. Depending on context it can also mean publican.

Q: What is the plural of innkeeper in Irish?

The plural of óstóir is óstóirí; with the article, na hóstóirí means “the innkeepers”. The genitive plural is óstóirí, as in cumann na n-óstóirí (the association of publicans).

Q: Does óstóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Óstóir can mean innkeeper or publican, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “innkeeper” in Irish

Irish:: óstóir
English:: innkeeper, publican
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “OH-stohr” /ˈoːsˠt̪ˠoːrʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: óstóirí (innkeepers)
Genitive singular:: óstóra, an óstóra (e.g. bean an óstóra, the innkeeper's wife)
Genitive plural:: óstóirí, na n-óstóirí (e.g. cumann na n-óstóirí, the association of publicans)

What does “óstóir” mean?

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

innkeeper: A person who owns or runs an inn, hotel or guesthouse.Also: hotelier, host, landlord.

1 other meaning: publican

2publican: A person who owns or runs a pub.Also: landlord, bar owner, pub owner.

“Óstóir” with the article

The plural of innkeeper in Irish is óstóirí. Here is óstóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-óstóir

the innkeeper

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na hóstóirí

the innkeepers

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Óstóir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using óstóir, the Irish word for innkeeper.

Is óstóir é m'uncail i nGaillimh.

My uncle is a publican in Galway.

Chuir an t-óstóir fáilte romhainn ag an doras.

The innkeeper welcomed us at the door.

Bhí mac an óstóra ag obair taobh thiar den chuntar.

The publican's son was working behind the counter.

Tá na hóstóirí míshásta leis an dlí nua.

The publicans are unhappy with the new law.

D'iarr mé ar an óstóir seomra a thabhairt dúinn.

I asked the innkeeper to give us a room.

Bhí m'athair ina óstóir ar feadh fiche bliain.

My father was a publican for twenty years.

Labhair óstóirí an bhaile leis an gcomhairle.

The town's publicans spoke to the council.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

oifigoffice toradhfruit domhanworld cineálkind roinntsome luchtpeople

Innkeeper in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for innkeeper?

The Irish for innkeeper is óstóir (pronounced “OH-stohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is óstóirí. Depending on context it can also mean publican.

How do you pronounce óstóir in Irish?

Óstóir is said like “OH-stohr” (IPA /ˈoːsˠt̪ˠoːrʲ/).

What is the plural of innkeeper in Irish?

The plural of óstóir is óstóirí; with the article, na hóstóirí means “the innkeepers”. The genitive plural is óstóirí, as in cumann na n-óstóirí (the association of publicans).

Does óstóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Óstóir can mean innkeeper or publican, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-óstóir (the innkeeper), a hóstóir (her innkeeper), a n-óstóir (their innkeeper), na hóstóirí (the innkeepers).

What is the difference between 'óstóir' and 'óstach'?

'Óstóir' is someone who runs an inn, hotel or pub, while 'óstach' is a host who entertains guests, for example at a party or event.

Innkeeper in Irish (Óstóir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage