HeyRuaHow to say “need” in Irish
- Irish:
- teastáil
- English:
- need, lack
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- teastaigh, to want (ag teastáil, wanting)
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “TYAS-tawl” /ˈtʲasˠt̪ˠaːlʲ/
- Plural:
- teastálacha (needs)
- Genitive singular:
- teastála, na teastála (e.g. am na teastála, the time of need)
- Genitive plural:
- teastálacha, na dteastálacha (e.g. liosta na dteastálacha, the list of requirements)
What does “teastáil” mean?
“Teastáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- need
- The verbal noun of the verb teastaigh: being needed or wanted, used mainly in the phrase 'ag teastáil ó' (needed by someone).Also: want, requirement, lack, necessity.
1 other meaning: lack
- 2lack
- A shortage or want of something that is required.Also: shortage, deficiency.
Other Irish words for need: gá (need), riachtanas (need), call (need)
“Teastáil” as a verbal noun
After ag, teastáil means wanting: it is the verbal noun of the verb teastaigh (to want). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Teastáil” with the article
The plural of need in Irish is teastálacha. Here is teastáil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Teastáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using teastáil, the Irish word for need.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Need in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for need?
The Irish for need is teastáil (pronounced “TYAS-tawl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is teastálacha. Depending on context it can also mean lack.
How do you pronounce teastáil in Irish?
Teastáil is said like “TYAS-tawl” (IPA /ˈtʲasˠt̪ˠaːlʲ/).
What is the plural of need in Irish?
The plural of teastáil is teastálacha; with the article, na teastálacha means “the needs”. The genitive plural is teastálacha, as in liosta na dteastálacha (the list of requirements).
Does teastáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Teastáil can mean need or lack, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does teastáil change to theastáil or dteastáil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) teastáil becomes mo theastáil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dteastáil (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I need' using teastáil?
Say 'Tá X ag teastáil uaim', literally 'X is needed from me', so 'Tá peann ag teastáil uaim' means 'I need a pen'. The thing needed is the subject, and the person comes after 'ó'.
What is the difference between teastáil and gá?
'Teastáil' is used in the progressive 'ag teastáil ó' for something someone wants or needs, while 'gá' is a noun for necessity, as in 'Tá gá le cabhair' (help is necessary).
