HeyRuaHow to say “minstrel” in Irish
- Irish:
- oirfideach
- English:
- minstrel, entertainer
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ER-ih-dyakh” /ˈɛɾʲədʲəx/
- Plural:
- oirfidigh (minstrels)
- Genitive singular:
- oirfidigh, an oirfidigh (e.g. ceol an oirfidigh, the minstrel's music)
- Genitive plural:
- oirfideach, na n-oirfideach (e.g. cumann na n-oirfideach, the musicians' association)
What does “oirfideach” mean?
“Oirfideach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- minstrel
- A musician or singer who entertains people, especially in the old tradition of travelling performers.Also: musician, performer, player.
1 other meaning: entertainer
- 2entertainer
- A person who entertains an audience, such as a performer or player.Also: performer, player.
“Oirfideach” with the article
The plural of minstrel in Irish is oirfidigh. Here is oirfideach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Oirfideach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using oirfideach, the Irish word for minstrel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Minstrel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for minstrel?
The Irish for minstrel is oirfideach (pronounced “ER-ih-dyakh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is oirfidigh. Depending on context it can also mean entertainer.
How do you pronounce oirfideach in Irish?
Oirfideach is said like “ER-ih-dyakh” (IPA /ˈɛɾʲədʲəx/).
What is the plural of minstrel in Irish?
The plural of oirfideach is oirfidigh; with the article, na hoirfidigh means “the minstrels”. The genitive plural is oirfideach, as in cumann na n-oirfideach (the musicians' association).
Does oirfideach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Oirfideach can mean minstrel or entertainer, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does oirfideach sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-oirfideach (the minstrel), a hoirfideach (her minstrel), a n-oirfideach (their minstrel), na hoirfidigh (the minstrels).
Is 'oirfideach' the everyday word for a musician?
No, the everyday word is 'ceoltóir'; 'oirfideach' is more literary and suggests a minstrel or entertainer, though 'oirfideach pianó' is used for a pianist.
