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Partner in Irish (Leathbhádóir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leathbhádóir’ also means: associate

The Irish for partner is leathbhádóir, a masculine noun (plural leathbhádóirí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “partner” in Irish

Irish:
leathbhádóir
English:
partner, associate
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“LAH-vaw-dohr”  /ˈl̠ʲahˌwɑːd̪ˠoːɾʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
leathbhádóirí (partners)
Genitive singular:
leathbhádóra, an leathbhádóra (e.g. teach an leathbhádóra, the partner's house)
Genitive plural:
leathbhádóirí, na leathbhádóirí (e.g. cruinniú na leathbhádóirí, the meeting of the partners)

What does “leathbhádóir” mean?

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

partner
A close companion or partner, someone you pair up with, originally a partner in a boat.Also: companion, sidekick, pal, mate.
1 other meaning: associate
2associate
A person who shares in an activity or enterprise with another, often used of an accomplice.Also: accomplice, fellow.

Other Irish words for partner: comhpháirtí (partner)

“Leathbhádóir” with the article

The plural of partner in Irish is leathbhádóirí. Here is leathbhádóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an leathbhádóir
the partner
No change after an
na leathbhádóirí
the partners
Plural: no change after na

“Leathbhádóir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leathbhádóir, the Irish word for partner.

Is é Seán mo leathbhádóir i gcónaí.
Seán is always my partner.
Tháinig sé isteach lena leathbhádóir.
He came in with his sidekick.
Bhí an leathbhádóir ag fanacht leis taobh amuigh.
His pal was waiting for him outside.
Ní fhaca mé a leathbhádóir inniu.
I didn't see his partner today.
Is leathbhádóirí iad le fada an lá.
They have been partners for a long time.
Roghnaigh leathbhádóir don chluiche seo.
Pick a partner for this game.
Gabhadh an gadaí agus a leathbhádóir aréir.
The thief and his accomplice were caught last night.

Other nouns in Irish

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Partner in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for partner?

The Irish for partner is leathbhádóir (pronounced “LAH-vaw-dohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leathbhádóirí. Depending on context it can also mean associate.

How do you pronounce leathbhádóir in Irish?

Leathbhádóir is said like “LAH-vaw-dohr” (IPA /ˈl̠ʲahˌwɑːd̪ˠoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of partner in Irish?

The plural of leathbhádóir is leathbhádóirí; with the article, na leathbhádóirí means “the partners”. The genitive plural is leathbhádóirí, as in cruinniú na leathbhádóirí (the meeting of the partners).

Does leathbhádóir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leathbhádóir can mean partner or associate, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the literal meaning of 'leathbhádóir'?

It literally means 'half-boatman', a person who shares a boat with you, so 'leathbhádóir' came to mean a close partner or sidekick.

How is it different from 'páirtí'?

'Páirtí' is a general or formal partner, while 'leathbhádóir' is more colloquial, like 'pal' or 'sidekick', and can suggest an accomplice.

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