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Lodging in Irish (Iostas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘iostas’ also means: residence

The Irish for lodging is iostas, a masculine noun (plural iostais).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “lodging” in Irish

Irish:
iostas
English:
lodging, residence
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“US-tus”  /ˈʊs̪t̪ˠəs̪/
Various forms
Plural:
iostais
Genitive singular:
iostais, an iostais (e.g. costas an iostais, the cost of the lodging)
Genitive plural:
iostas, na n-iostas (e.g. praghsanna na n-iostas, the prices of the lodgings)

What does “iostas” mean?

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

lodging
A place where you stay or sleep for a while, such as a room in someone's house or a hotel.Also: lodgings, accommodation, quarters, place to stay.
1 other meaning: residence
2residence
A dwelling or abode where a person lives.Also: abode, dwelling.

Other Irish words for lodging: lóistín (lodging), ósta (lodging), cóiríocht (accommodation)

“Iostas” with the article

The plural of lodging in Irish is iostais. Here is iostas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-iostas
the lodging
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an
na hiostais
the lodging (plural)
Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Iostas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using iostas, the Irish word for lodging.

Bhí iostas maith againn i nGaillimh.
We had good lodgings in Galway.
Cá bhfuil an t-iostas a chuir tú in áirithe?
Where is the accommodation you booked?
D'íoc mé as an iostas roimh ré.
I paid for the lodging in advance.
Tá praghas an iostais ró-ard anseo.
The price of the lodging is too high here.
Tá iostais shaora le fáil sa bhaile mór.
Cheap lodgings can be found in the town.
Bhí mé ag fanacht i m'iostas ar feadh seachtaine.
I was staying in my lodgings for a week.
Fuair na mic léinn iostas sa Ghaeltacht.
The students got accommodation in the Gaeltacht.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Lodging in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lodging?

The Irish for lodging is iostas (pronounced “US-tus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is iostais. Depending on context it can also mean residence.

How do you pronounce iostas in Irish?

Iostas is said like “US-tus” (IPA /ˈʊs̪t̪ˠəs̪/).

What is the plural of lodging in Irish?

The plural of iostas is iostais; with the article, it is na hiostais. The genitive plural is iostas, as in praghsanna na n-iostas (the prices of the lodgings).

Does iostas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Iostas can mean lodging or residence, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-iostas (the lodging), a hiostas (her lodging), a n-iostas (their lodging).

What is the difference between 'iostas' and 'lóistín'?

Both mean lodging, but 'lóistín' is the more common everyday word, while 'iostas' is more formal and often used for accommodation in official contexts.

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