Minister in Irish (Aire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for minister?

The Irish for minister is aire (pronounced “AR-eh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is airí. Depending on context it can also mean nobleman.

Q: What is the plural of minister in Irish?

The plural of aire is airí; with the article, na hairí means “the ministers”. The genitive plural is airí, as in cruinniú na n-airí (the ministers' meeting).

Q: Does aire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aire can mean minister or nobleman, depending on context; the first is the most common. Aire also has its own entry as a noun, feminine meaning care.

How to say “minister” in Irish

Irish:: aire
English:: minister, nobleman
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “AR-eh” /ˈaɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: airí (ministers)
Genitive singular:: aire, an aire (e.g. oifig an aire, the minister's office)
Genitive plural:: airí, na n-airí (e.g. cruinniú na n-airí, the ministers' meeting)

What does “aire” mean?

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

minister: A member of a government who is in charge of a department of state.Also: government minister, cabinet minister, secretary of state.

1 other meaning: nobleman

2nobleman: In early Irish society, a noble or freeman of rank; now historical.Also: chief, freeman.

Other Irish words for minister: ministir (minister)

Other entries for “aire”

The same spelling has its own page as:

airecare · noun, feminine

“Aire” with the article

The plural of minister in Irish is airí. Here is aire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an t-aire

the minister

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

na hairí

the ministers

Plural: na adds h before a vowel

“Aire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aire, the Irish word for minister.

Tá sé in am aire nua a cheapadh.

It is time to appoint a new minister.

Labhair an tAire ar an raidió inné.

The Minister spoke on the radio yesterday.

Is é an tAire Oideachais a d'oscail an scoil.

It was the Minister for Education who opened the school.

Bhí na hairí go léir ag an gcruinniú.

All the ministers were at the meeting.

Chuir mé litir chuig oifig an aire.

I sent a letter to the minister's office.

Tá beirt airí nua sa rialtas anois.

There are two new ministers in the government now.

D'éirigh an t-aire as a phost inniu.

The minister resigned from his post today.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

SatharnSaturday docharharm féargrass scothpick eachtraadventure snámhswimming

Minister in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for minister?

The Irish for minister is aire (pronounced “AR-eh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is airí. Depending on context it can also mean nobleman.

How do you pronounce aire in Irish?

Aire is said like “AR-eh” (IPA /ˈaɾʲə/).

What is the plural of minister in Irish?

The plural of aire is airí; with the article, na hairí means “the ministers”. The genitive plural is airí, as in cruinniú na n-airí (the ministers' meeting).

Does aire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aire can mean minister or nobleman, depending on context; the first is the most common. Aire also has its own entry as a noun, feminine meaning care.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aire (the minister), a haire (her minister), a n-aire (their minister), na hairí (the ministers).

Is 'aire' meaning minister the same as 'aire' meaning care?

No. 'Aire' (minister, plural 'airí') is a separate word from 'aire' (care, attention), as in 'aire a thabhairt do leanbh', to take care of a child.

How do I say 'the Minister' before a vowel?

Being masculine, it takes t- after the article: 'an tAire', for example 'an tAire Airgeadais'.

Minister in Irish (Aire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage