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Porridge in Irish (Leite): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leite’ also means: paste

The Irish for porridge is leite, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “porridge” in Irish

Irish:
leite
English:
porridge, paste
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:
“LETCH-uh”  /ˈlʲɛtʲə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leitean, na leitean (e.g. babhla leitean, a bowl of porridge)

What does “leite” mean?

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

porridge
A hot food made by boiling oatmeal or meal in water or milk.Also: stirabout, oatmeal, gruel.
1 other meaning: paste
2paste
A soft, thick, moist mixture, such as a poultice or paste made from meal or seed.Also: pulp, mush.

Other Irish words for porridge: brachán (porridge), potáiste (porridge)

“Leite” with the article

Here is leite after the article (an t-alt).

an leite
the porridge
No change after an

“Leite” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leite, the Irish word for porridge.

Ithim leite gach maidin.
I eat porridge every morning.
Tá an leite róthe fós.
The porridge is still too hot.
Ar mhaith leat babhla leitean?
Would you like a bowl of porridge?
Chuir mé mil ar mo leite.
I put honey on my porridge.
Cuireann sé salann ina leite.
He puts salt in his porridge.
Rinne Mamó leite dúinn aréir.
Granny made porridge for us last night.
Bhí an leite róthiubh ar fad.
The porridge was far too thick.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Porridge in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for porridge?

The Irish for porridge is leite (pronounced “LETCH-uh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean paste.

How do you pronounce leite in Irish?

Leite is said like “LETCH-uh” (IPA /ˈlʲɛtʲə/).

Does leite have a plural?

No plural form is given for leite in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does leite have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leite can mean porridge or paste, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What does 'lámha leitean' mean?

Literally 'hands of porridge', 'lámha leitean' describes someone clumsy who drops things, like English 'butter-fingers'.

Is 'leite' the same as 'praiseach'?

Both can mean porridge, but 'praiseach' is often a thinner gruel and also figuratively means a mess, as in 'praiseach a dhéanamh de rud'.

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