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Nearness in Irish (Gaireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘gaireacht’ also means: vicinity

The Irish for nearness is gaireacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “nearness” in Irish

Irish:
gaireacht
English:
nearness, vicinity
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“GAR-uhkht”  /ˈɡaɾʲəxt̪/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gaireachta, na gaireachta (e.g. tábhacht na gaireachta, the importance of proximity)

What does “gaireacht” mean?

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

nearness
The state of being near or close to something in place or time.Also: proximity, closeness, vicinity.
1 other meaning: vicinity
2vicinity
The area close to a place, the neighbourhood around it.Also: neighbourhood, surroundings.

Other Irish words for nearness: aice (nearness), gaire (nearness)

“Gaireacht” with the article

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

an ghaireacht
the nearness
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gaireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gaireacht, the Irish word for nearness.

Is maith liom gaireacht na farraige.
I like being near the sea.
Tá an teach i ngaireacht don scoil.
The house is close to the school.
Ní raibh siopa ar bith sa ghaireacht.
There was no shop in the vicinity.
Cheannaigh siad é mar gheall ar a ghaireacht don chathair.
They bought it because it is near the city.
Tá an ghaireacht don stáisiún an-áisiúil.
Being close to the station is very handy.
Bhí sé i ngaireacht míle don bhaile.
He was within a mile of the town.
Is buntáiste mór é gaireacht na n-áiseanna.
Being near the facilities is a great advantage.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Nearness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for nearness?

The Irish for nearness is gaireacht (pronounced “GAR-uhkht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean vicinity.

How do you pronounce gaireacht in Irish?

Gaireacht is said like “GAR-uhkht” (IPA /ˈɡaɾʲəxt̪/).

Does gaireacht have a plural?

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

Does gaireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaireacht can mean nearness or vicinity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gaireacht change to ghaireacht or ngaireacht?

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

How do I say 'near' using gaireacht?

Use the phrase 'i ngaireacht do', as in 'i ngaireacht don bhaile', meaning near the town. In everyday speech 'in aice le' or 'gar do' is more common.

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