Refusal in Irish (Eiteach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for refusal?

The Irish for refusal is eiteach (pronounced “ETCH-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wings.

Q: Does eiteach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eiteach can mean refusal or wings, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “refusal” in Irish

Irish:: eiteach
English:: refusal, wings
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: eitigh, to refuse (ag eiteach, refusing)
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “ETCH-ukh” /ɛtʲəx/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: eitigh, an eitigh (e.g. cúis an eitigh, the reason for the refusal)

What does “eiteach” mean?

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

refusal: A refusal or rejection, the act of saying no to a request or offer.Also: rejection, denial, turning down.

1 other meaning: wings

2wings: Wings, fins or plumage considered together as a mass.Also: fins, plumage, feathers.

Other Irish words for refusal: diúltú (refusal)

“Eiteach” as a verbal noun

After ag, eiteach means refusing: it is the verbal noun of the verb eitigh (to refuse). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

eiteachverbal noun

ag eiteachrefusing

“Eiteach” with the article

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

an t-eiteach

the refusal

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Eiteach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using eiteach, the Irish word for refusal.

Fuair mé eiteach nuair a d'iarr mé airgead.

I was refused when I asked for money.

Thug sí eiteach dó.

She turned him down.

Ní ghlacfaidh sé le heiteach.

He won't take no for an answer.

Bhí an t-eiteach sin crua orm.

That refusal was hard on me.

Ní raibh aon chúis leis an eiteach.

There was no reason for the refusal.

Ba mhór an t-iontas an t-eiteach sin.

That refusal was a great surprise.

Níor thuig mé cúis an eitigh ar chor ar bith.

I didn't understand the reason for the refusal at all.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

scáthshadow áthasjoy dinnéardinner píosapiece gluaiseachtmovement téacstext

Refusal in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for refusal?

The Irish for refusal is eiteach (pronounced “ETCH-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wings.

How do you pronounce eiteach in Irish?

Eiteach is said like “ETCH-ukh” (IPA /ɛtʲəx/).

Does eiteach have a plural?

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

Does eiteach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Eiteach can mean refusal or wings, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does eiteach sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-eiteach (the refusal), a heiteach (her refusal), a n-eiteach (their refusal).

How do I say 'to refuse someone' using eiteach?

Say 'eiteach a thabhairt do dhuine', for example 'Thug sí eiteach dó', she refused him. 'Diúltú' is a more general word for refusal.

Refusal in Irish (Eiteach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage