Lilting in Irish (Portaireacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for lilting?

The Irish for lilting is portaireacht (pronounced “PUR-tir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “lilting” in Irish

Irish:: portaireacht
English:: lilting
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “PUR-tir-ukht” /ˈpˠɔɾˠt̪ˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: portaireachta, na portaireachta (e.g. comórtas portaireachta, lilting competition)

What does “portaireacht” mean?

lilting: Singing dance tunes without words, using sounds like 'didil-dí' instead, sometimes called mouth music.Also: mouth music, diddling, lilt.

“Portaireacht” with the article

Here is portaireacht after the article (an t-alt).

an phortaireacht

the lilting

Lenition: p becomes ph after an (feminine noun)

“Portaireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using portaireacht, the Irish word for lilting.

Bhí portaireacht bhreá ar siúl sa chistin aréir.

There was great lilting going on in the kitchen last night.

Bhuaigh sí an comórtas portaireachta ag an bhfleá.

She won the lilting competition at the fleadh.

Thosaigh mo sheanathair ar an bportaireacht.

My grandfather started lilting.

Is aoibhinn liom an phortaireacht go mór.

I really love lilting.

Rinne siad damhsa le portaireacht in áit ceoil.

They danced to lilting instead of music.

Tá suim mhór aige i bportaireacht.

He is very interested in lilting.

Bíonn portaireacht le cloisteáil sa teach tábhairne sin.

You can hear lilting in that pub.

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Lilting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lilting?

The Irish for lilting is portaireacht (pronounced “PUR-tir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce portaireacht in Irish?

Portaireacht is said like “PUR-tir-ukht” (IPA /ˈpˠɔɾˠt̪ˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does portaireacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for portaireacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does portaireacht change to phortaireacht or bportaireacht?

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

How is 'portaireacht' related to 'port'?

It comes from 'port', a tune, especially a jig, so 'portaireacht' is making tunes with the voice; a person who lilts is a 'portaire'.

Lilting in Irish (Portaireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage