Means in Irish (Gustal): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for means?

The Irish for means is gustal (pronounced “GUS-tul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean belongings or enterprise.

Q: Does gustal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gustal can mean means, belongings or enterprise, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “means” in Irish

Irish:: gustal
English:: means, belongings, enterprise
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GUS-tul” /ˈɡʊst̪ˠəl̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gustail, an ghustail (e.g. easpa gustail, lack of means)

What does “gustal” mean?

“Gustal” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

means: Money, property or resources that a person has to live on or to do something.Also: wealth, resources, substance.

2 other meanings: belongings or enterprise

2belongings: Goods and possessions, especially movable property.Also: chattels, goods, possessions.
3enterprise: Energy and ability to get things done; resourcefulness.Also: resourcefulness, ability, gumption.

“Gustal” with the article

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

an gustal

the means

No change after an

“Gustal” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gustal, the Irish word for means.

Níl an gustal againn teach nua a cheannach.

We don't have the means to buy a new house.

Fear gan ghustal a bhí ann riamh.

He was always a man without means.

Bhí gustal mór ag a muintir.

Her family had great wealth.

Theip ar an ngnó de bharr easpa gustail.

The business failed for lack of resources.

Chaith sé a ghustal ar fad ar an ól.

He spent all his substance on drink.

Is beag gustal atá fágtha aici anois.

She has little means left now.

Níl de ghustal ann an obair a dhéanamh.

He hasn't the gumption to do the work.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

naomhsaint scórscore scórscore caidreamhrelationship báisteachrain pointepoint

Means in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for means?

The Irish for means is gustal (pronounced “GUS-tul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean belongings or enterprise.

How do you pronounce gustal in Irish?

Gustal is said like “GUS-tul” (IPA /ˈɡʊst̪ˠəl̪ˠ/).

Does gustal have a plural?

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

Does gustal have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gustal can mean means, belongings or enterprise, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gustal change to ghustal or ngustal?

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

What does 'mustar gan ghustal' mean?

It describes someone who puts on airs without the means to back it up, all show and no substance.

How does 'gustal' differ from 'saibhreas'?

'Saibhreas' is wealth or riches in general, while 'gustal' stresses the means or resources available to do something, as in 'níl an gustal agam'.

Means in Irish (Gustal): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage