HeyRuaHow to say “listening” in Irish
- Irish:
- éisteacht
- English:
- listening, hearing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- éist, to listen (ag éisteacht, listening)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AYSH-tyukht” /ˈeːʃtʲəxt̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- éisteachta, na héisteachta (e.g. lucht éisteachta, listeners, audience)
What does “éisteacht” mean?
“Éisteacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- listening
- The act of listening to something or someone; the verbal noun of the verb éist.Also: listen, attention.
2 other meanings: hearing
- 2hearing
- The sense by which sounds are perceived, or the range within which something can be heard.Also: sense of hearing, earshot.
- 3hearing
- A formal session in which a case or evidence is heard, as in a court or inquiry.Also: trial hearing, audience.
“Éisteacht” as a verbal noun
After ag, éisteacht means listening: it is the verbal noun of the verb éist (to listen). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Éisteacht” with the article
Here is éisteacht after the article (an t-alt).
“Éisteacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using éisteacht, the Irish word for listening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Listening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for listening?
The Irish for listening is éisteacht (pronounced “AYSH-tyukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean hearing.
How do you pronounce éisteacht in Irish?
Éisteacht is said like “AYSH-tyukht” (IPA /ˈeːʃtʲəxt̪ˠ/).
Does éisteacht have a plural?
No plural form is given for éisteacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does éisteacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Éisteacht can mean listening or hearing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does éisteacht sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an éisteacht (the listening), a héisteacht (her listening), a n-éisteacht (their listening).
What is the difference between éisteacht and cloisteáil?
Éisteacht is listening, paying attention to sound, while cloisteáil (or cluinstin) is simply hearing it. Also note 'éist!' means 'listen!' or 'be quiet!'.
How do I say 'listeners' or 'audience' for radio?
Use lucht éisteachta, as in 'a lucht éisteachta' for 'dear listeners'.
