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Quickness in Irish (Tapaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘tapaíocht’ also means: alertness

The Irish for quickness is tapaíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “quickness” in Irish

Irish:
tapaíocht
English:
quickness, alertness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“TAP-ee-ukht”  /ˈt̪ˠapˠiːxt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tapaíochta, na tapaíochta (e.g. easpa tapaíochta, lack of quickness)

What does “tapaíocht” mean?

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

quickness
The quality of being fast or quick in movement or action.Also: speed, rapidity, swiftness.
1 other meaning: alertness
2alertness
Quickness of mind or readiness to act, being smart and prompt.Also: readiness, smartness, promptness.

Other Irish words for quickness: tapúlacht (quickness)

“Tapaíocht” with the article

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

an tapaíocht
the quickness
No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Tapaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tapaíocht, the Irish word for quickness.

Tá tapaíocht iontach sa chapall sin.
That horse has great speed.
Chuir an tapaíocht a bhí aici iontas orm.
Her quickness surprised me.
Níl mórán tapaíochta ann ar maidin.
He isn't very quick in the morning.
Rinne sí an obair le tapaíocht.
She did the work quickly.
Tá tapaíocht ag teastáil sa chluiche seo.
Speed is needed in this game.
Mhol an múinteoir tapaíocht a hintinne.
The teacher praised the quickness of her mind.
Sábháladh é de bharr a thapaíochta.
He was saved thanks to his quick action.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Quickness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for quickness?

The Irish for quickness is tapaíocht (pronounced “TAP-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean alertness.

How do you pronounce tapaíocht in Irish?

Tapaíocht is said like “TAP-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠapˠiːxt̪ˠ/).

Does tapaíocht have a plural?

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

Does tapaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tapaíocht can mean quickness or alertness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tapaíocht change to thapaíocht or dtapaíocht?

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

How is 'tapaíocht' different from 'luas'?

'Luas' is speed in general, including measured speed of vehicles, while 'tapaíocht' is the quality of being quick or alert, as in 'tapaíocht intinne'.

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