Power in Irish (Cumhacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for power?

The Irish for power is cumhacht (pronounced “KOO-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cumhachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean powers.

Q: What is the plural of power in Irish?

The plural of cumhacht is cumhachtaí; with the article, na cumhachtaí means “the powers”. The genitive plural is cumhachtaí, as in roinnt na gcumhachtaí (the division of powers).

Q: Does cumhacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cumhacht can mean power or powers, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “power” in Irish

Irish:: cumhacht
English:: power, powers
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KOO-ukht” /ˈkuːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cumhachtaí (powers)
Genitive singular:: cumhachta, na cumhachta (e.g. seilbh na cumhachta, possession of power)
Genitive plural:: cumhachtaí, na gcumhachtaí (e.g. roinnt na gcumhachtaí, the division of powers)

What does “cumhacht” mean?

“Cumhacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

power: The ability or authority to control people, events or a country.Also: authority, control, might.

2 other meanings: powers

2power: Physical strength or force, or energy such as electrical power.Also: strength, force, energy, electricity.
3powers: In the plural, legal or official powers given to a person or body.Also: authority, jurisdiction.

Other Irish words for power: údarás (authority), treise (strength)

“Cumhacht” with the article

The plural of power in Irish is cumhachtaí. Here is cumhacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chumhacht

the power

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cumhachtaí

the powers

Plural: no change after na

“Cumhacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cumhacht, the Irish word for power.

Tá cumhacht mhór ag an rialtas.

The government has great power.

Níl neart againn ar chumhacht na meán.

There is nothing we can do about the power of the media.

Tá an páirtí sin i gcumhacht le deich mbliana.

That party has been in power for ten years.

Bhí an chumhacht imithe ar feadh an tráthnóna.

The power was off all evening.

Thug an tAcht cumhachtaí nua do na Gardaí.

The Act gave new powers to the Gardaí.

Ní raibh aon chumhacht agam ar an scéal.

I had no control over the matter.

Tá siad ag troid ar son na cumhachta.

They are fighting for power.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Power in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for power?

The Irish for power is cumhacht (pronounced “KOO-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cumhachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean powers.

How do you pronounce cumhacht in Irish?

Cumhacht is said like “KOO-ukht” (IPA /ˈkuːəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of power in Irish?

The plural of cumhacht is cumhachtaí; with the article, na cumhachtaí means “the powers”. The genitive plural is cumhachtaí, as in roinnt na gcumhachtaí (the division of powers).

Does cumhacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cumhacht can mean power or powers, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cumhacht change to chumhacht or gcumhacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cumhacht becomes mo chumhacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcumhacht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between cumhacht and neart?

Neart is mainly physical strength, while cumhacht is power or authority, as in 'i gcumhacht' (in power).

How do I say 'in power'?

Use 'i gcumhacht', for example 'Tá an páirtí i gcumhacht' (The party is in power).

Power in Irish (Cumhacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage