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Qualification in Irish (Cáilíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘cáilíocht’ also means: quality · disposition

The Irish for qualification is cáilíocht, a feminine noun (plural cáilíochtaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “qualification” in Irish

Irish:
cáilíocht
English:
qualification, quality, disposition
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“KAW-lee-ukht”  /ˈkɑːlʲiːəxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
cáilíochtaí (qualifications)
Genitive singular:
cáilíochta, na cáilíochta (e.g. bronnadh na cáilíochta, the awarding of the qualification)
Genitive plural:
cáilíochtaí, na gcáilíochtaí (e.g. liosta na gcáilíochtaí, the list of qualifications)

What does “cáilíocht” mean?

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

qualification
A degree, diploma or other proof that someone has completed a course or has the skills for a job.Also: degree, diploma, certificate.
2 other meanings: quality or disposition
2quality
A characteristic or attribute that a person or thing has.Also: attribute, characteristic, trait.
3disposition
A person's nature or temperament.Also: temperament, nature.

“Cáilíocht” with the article

The plural of qualification in Irish is cáilíochtaí. Here is cáilíocht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cháilíocht
the qualification
Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)
na cáilíochtaí
the qualifications
Plural: no change after na

“Cáilíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cáilíocht, the Irish word for qualification.

An bhfuil aon cháilíocht tríú leibhéal agat?
Do you have any third-level qualifications?
Fuair sí cáilíocht mhúinteoireachta anuraidh.
She got a teaching qualification last year.
Tá na cáilíochtaí cearta aige don phost.
He has the right qualifications for the job.
Bhain mé mo cháilíocht amach i nGaillimh.
I earned my qualification in Galway.
Cuir liosta de do cháilíochtaí ar an bhfoirm.
Put a list of your qualifications on the form.
Is cáilíocht mhaith í an fhoighne.
Patience is a good quality.
Cén leibhéal cáilíochta atá ag teastáil?
What level of qualification is required?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Qualification in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for qualification?

The Irish for qualification is cáilíocht (pronounced “KAW-lee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cáilíochtaí. Depending on context it can also mean quality or disposition.

How do you pronounce cáilíocht in Irish?

Cáilíocht is said like “KAW-lee-ukht” (IPA /ˈkɑːlʲiːəxt̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of qualification in Irish?

The plural of cáilíocht is cáilíochtaí; with the article, na cáilíochtaí means “the qualifications”. The genitive plural is cáilíochtaí, as in liosta na gcáilíochtaí (the list of qualifications).

Does cáilíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cáilíocht can mean qualification, quality or disposition, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cáilíocht change to cháilíocht or gcáilíocht?

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

Is 'cáilíocht' the word for the quality of a product?

Usually not: for quality in the sense of standard or excellence, use 'caighdeán' or 'ardchaighdeán'; 'cáilíocht' means a qualification or an attribute.

How is 'cáilíocht' related to 'cáil'?

'Cáil' means fame or reputation, and also quality or character; 'cáilíocht' builds on it and today mostly means a qualification, as in 'cáilíocht tríú leibhéal'.

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