HeyRuaHow to say “night” in Irish
- Irish:
- oíche
- English:
- night, eve
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “EE-hyuh” /ˈiːhə/
- Plural:
- oícheanta (nights)
- Genitive singular:
- oíche, na hoíche (e.g. lár na hoíche, the middle of the night)
- Genitive plural:
- oícheanta, na n-oícheanta (e.g. fad na n-oícheanta, the length of the nights)
What does “oíche” mean?
“Oíche” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- night
- The time of darkness between evening and morning.Also: nighttime, evening.
1 other meaning: eve
- 2eve
- The night or evening before a feast day or festival, as in Oíche Nollag.Also: Christmas Eve, night before.
“Oíche” with the article
The plural of night in Irish is oícheanta. Here is oíche after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Oíche” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using oíche, the Irish word for night.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “oíche”
Night in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for night?
The Irish for night is oíche (pronounced “EE-hyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is oícheanta. Depending on context it can also mean eve.
How do you pronounce oíche in Irish?
Oíche is said like “EE-hyuh” (IPA /ˈiːhə/).
What is the plural of night in Irish?
The plural of oíche is oícheanta; with the article, na hoícheanta means “the nights”. The genitive plural is oícheanta, as in fad na n-oícheanta (the length of the nights).
Does oíche have more than one meaning?
Yes. Oíche can mean night or eve, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does oíche sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an oíche (the night), a hoíche (her night), a n-oíche (their night), na hoícheanta (the nights).
What is the difference between 'oíche' and 'anocht'?
'Oíche' is the noun night, while 'anocht' is an adverb meaning tonight, e.g. Beidh mé ann anocht.
How do you say 'at night' in Irish?
Use 'istoíche' or 'san oíche', e.g. Ní chodlaím go maith istoíche.
