HeyRuaHow to say “material” in Irish
- Irish:
- ábhar
- English:
- material, subject, cause, makings
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AW-wur” /ˈaːwəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- ábhair (materials)
- Genitive singular:
- ábhair, an ábhair (e.g. rogha an ábhair, the choice of material)
- Genitive plural:
- ábhar, na n-ábhar (e.g. cáilíocht na n-ábhar, the quality of the materials)
What does “ábhar” mean?
“Ábhar” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- material
- The physical stuff or substance that something is made from or consists of.Also: matter, substance, stuff.
3 other meanings: subject or cause or makings
- 2subject
- The topic of a discussion, book or lesson, or a subject studied at school.Also: topic, theme, school subject.
- 3cause
- A reason or cause for a feeling or situation, as in a cause for worry or joy.Also: reason, grounds.
- 4makings
- The potential qualities of someone who could become something, as in the makings of a teacher.Also: potential, future.
Other Irish words for material: stuif (stuff)
“Ábhar” with the article
The plural of material in Irish is ábhair. Here is ábhar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ábhar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ábhar, the Irish word for material.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Material in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for material?
The Irish for material is ábhar (pronounced “AW-wur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ábhair. Depending on context it can also mean subject or cause or makings.
How do you pronounce ábhar in Irish?
Ábhar is said like “AW-wur” (IPA /ˈaːwəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of material in Irish?
The plural of ábhar is ábhair; with the article, na hábhair means “the materials”. The genitive plural is ábhar, as in cáilíocht na n-ábhar (the quality of the materials).
Does ábhar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ábhar can mean material, subject, cause or makings, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ábhar sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ábhar (the material), a hábhar (her material), a n-ábhar (their material), na hábhair (the materials).
How do I say 'it doesn't matter' or 'irrelevant' with ábhar?
Use 'Ní bhaineann sé le hábhar', meaning it has nothing to do with the matter; for 'it doesn't matter' people say 'Is cuma'.
Can ábhar mean a person in training?
Yes, before a noun it means 'prospective': 'ábhar sagairt' is a student for the priesthood, 'ábhar múinteora' a trainee teacher.
