Maintenance in Irish (Cothabháil): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for maintenance?

The Irish for maintenance is cothabháil (pronounced “KO-huh-wawl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sustenance.

Q: Does cothabháil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cothabháil can mean maintenance or sustenance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “maintenance” in Irish

Irish:: cothabháil
English:: maintenance, sustenance
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KO-huh-wawl” /ˈkɔhəwɑːlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cothabhála, na cothabhála (e.g. costas na cothabhála, the cost of maintenance)

What does “cothabháil” mean?

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

maintenance: The work of keeping something such as a building, machine or road in good condition; also the verbal noun of the verb cothabháil, to maintain.Also: upkeep, maintaining, servicing.

1 other meaning: sustenance

2sustenance: The act of supporting or keeping a person or thing going, providing what is needed to live or continue.Also: support, sustaining, subsistence.

“Cothabháil” with the article

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

an chothabháil

the maintenance

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cothabháil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cothabháil, the Irish word for maintenance.

Tá cothabháil rialta ag teastáil ón gcarr seo.

This car needs regular maintenance.

Is ar an gcomhairle atá cothabháil na mbóithre.

The council is responsible for maintaining the roads.

Tá costas cothabhála an tí ag ardú.

The cost of upkeep for the house is rising.

D'oibrigh sé ar fhoireann cothabhála an ospidéil.

He worked on the hospital maintenance team.

Íocann siad as cothabháil an ghairdín gach bliain.

They pay for the upkeep of the garden every year.

Tá an foirgneamh dúnta le haghaidh cothabhála inniu.

The building is closed for maintenance today.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Maintenance in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for maintenance?

The Irish for maintenance is cothabháil (pronounced “KO-huh-wawl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sustenance.

How do you pronounce cothabháil in Irish?

Cothabháil is said like “KO-huh-wawl” (IPA /ˈkɔhəwɑːlʲ/).

Does cothabháil have a plural?

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

Does cothabháil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cothabháil can mean maintenance or sustenance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cothabháil change to chothabháil or gcothabháil?

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

How do I say 'maintenance staff' in Irish?

Use the genitive: foireann chothabhála, literally 'staff of maintenance'.

Is cothabháil also a verb?

Yes, cothabháil is also the verb 'maintain, sustain', for example cothabhálann siad an córas, 'they maintain the system'.

Maintenance in Irish (Cothabháil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage