HeyRuaHow to say “point” in Irish
- Irish:
- pointe
- English:
- point, dot, point (score)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “PWIN-cheh” /ˈpˠiːn̠ʲtʲə/
- Plural:
- pointí (points)
- Genitive singular:
- pointe, an phointe (e.g. tábhacht an phointe, the importance of the point)
- Genitive plural:
- pointí, na bpointí (e.g. liosta na bpointí, the list of points)
What does “pointe” mean?
“Pointe” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- point
- A particular place, moment, item or stage, such as a point in an argument or a point in time.Also: moment, item, stage.
2 other meanings: dot or point (score)
- 2dot
- A small round mark, such as a full stop or decimal point.Also: full stop, decimal point, spot.
- 3point (score)
- A score in a game, especially in Gaelic games a score over the crossbar, worth one third of a goal.Also: point, score, mark.
Other Irish words for point: rinn (point), ponc (dot), bior (point), cúilín (point)
“Pointe” with the article
The plural of point in Irish is pointí. Here is pointe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Pointe” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using pointe, the Irish word for point.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Point in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for point?
The Irish for point is pointe (pronounced “PWIN-cheh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is pointí. Depending on context it can also mean dot or point (score).
How do you pronounce pointe in Irish?
Pointe is said like “PWIN-cheh” (IPA /ˈpˠiːn̠ʲtʲə/).
What is the plural of point in Irish?
The plural of pointe is pointí; with the article, na pointí means “the points”. The genitive plural is pointí, as in liosta na bpointí (the list of points).
Does pointe have more than one meaning?
Yes. Pointe can mean point, dot or point (score), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does pointe change to phointe or bpointe?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) pointe becomes mo phointe (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpointe (eclipsis).
What does 'ar an bpointe' mean?
'Ar an bpointe' means immediately or at once, as in 'Tar anseo ar an bpointe' (Come here at once).
Is 'pointe' the same as 'ponc'?
Both can mean a dot or point, but 'ponc' is used more for a tiny mark or a whit, while 'pointe' is the general word for a point in time, argument or sport.
