HeyRuaHow to say “patriarch” in Irish
- Irish:
- ardathair
- English:
- patriarch, patriarch (church)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “AWRD-a-hir” /ˈɑːɾˠdˠˌahəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- ardaithreacha (patriarchs)
- Genitive singular:
- ardathar, an ardathar (e.g. teach an ardathar, the patriarch's house)
- Genitive plural:
- ardaithreacha, na n-ardaithreacha (e.g. scéalta na n-ardaithreacha, stories of the patriarchs)
What does “ardathair” mean?
“Ardathair” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- patriarch
- The male head of a family or tribe, or a revered founding father such as the biblical patriarchs.Also: forefather, founding father, head of family.
1 other meaning: patriarch (church)
- 2patriarch (church)
- A senior bishop of high rank in certain Christian churches, especially the Eastern churches.Also: patriarch, bishop, church leader.
“Ardathair” with the article
The plural of patriarch in Irish is ardaithreacha. Here is ardathair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ardathair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ardathair, the Irish word for patriarch.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Patriarch in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for patriarch?
The Irish for patriarch is ardathair (pronounced “AWRD-a-hir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ardaithreacha. Depending on context it can also mean patriarch (church).
How do you pronounce ardathair in Irish?
Ardathair is said like “AWRD-a-hir” (IPA /ˈɑːɾˠdˠˌahəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of patriarch in Irish?
The plural of ardathair is ardaithreacha; with the article, na hardaithreacha means “the patriarchs”. The genitive plural is ardaithreacha, as in scéalta na n-ardaithreacha (stories of the patriarchs).
Does ardathair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ardathair can mean patriarch or patriarch (church), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ardathair sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ardathair (the patriarch), a hardathair (her patriarch), a n-ardathair (their patriarch), na hardaithreacha (the patriarchs).
Is 'ardathair' the same as 'seanathair'?
No. 'Seanathair' means grandfather, while 'ardathair' means patriarch, a revered head of a family, tribe or church.
