HeyRuaHow to say “motor” in Irish
- Irish:
- mótar
- English:
- motor, motor car
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MOH-tur” /ˈmˠoːt̪ˠəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- mótair (motors)
- Genitive singular:
- mótair, an mhótair (e.g. fuaim an mhótair, the sound of the motor)
- Genitive plural:
- mótar, na mótar (e.g. innill na mótar, the engines of the motors)
What does “mótar” mean?
“Mótar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- motor
- A machine or engine that produces movement, especially one that drives a vehicle or device.Also: engine, electric motor.
1 other meaning: motor car
- 2motor car
- A car or other motor vehicle; this sense is somewhat dated, as 'carr' is now usual.Also: car, automobile, motor vehicle.
“Mótar” with the article
The plural of motor in Irish is mótair. Here is mótar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Mótar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using mótar, the Irish word for motor.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Motor in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for motor?
The Irish for motor is mótar (pronounced “MOH-tur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is mótair. Depending on context it can also mean motor car.
How do you pronounce mótar in Irish?
Mótar is said like “MOH-tur” (IPA /ˈmˠoːt̪ˠəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of motor in Irish?
The plural of mótar is mótair; with the article, na mótair means “the motors”. The genitive plural is mótar, as in innill na mótar (the engines of the motors).
Does mótar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Mótar can mean motor or motor car, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does mótar change to mhótar?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhótar. After ár (our) it stays ár mótar, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'mótar' and 'inneall'?
'Inneall' is the general word for an engine or machine, while 'mótar' is a motor, often electric or outboard. For a car, 'carr' or 'gluaisteán' is more usual today than 'mótar'.
