HeyRuaHow to say “running” in Irish
- Irish:
- rith
- English:
- running, run, course
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- rith, to run (ag rith, running)
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “rih” /ɾˠɪh/
- Plural:
- rití
- Genitive singular:
- reatha, an reatha (e.g. bróga reatha, running shoes)
- Genitive plural:
- rití, na rití (e.g. líon na rití, the number of runs)
What does “rith” mean?
“Rith” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- running
- The act of running; verbal noun of the verb rith, to run.Also: run, race, jog.
2 other meanings: run or course
- 2run
- A single run, rush or course taken at speed.Also: rush, sprint, dash.
- 3course
- The course or flow of something over time, as in i rith, meaning during or throughout.Also: flow, duration, during.
Other Irish words for running: rith (running), reáchtáil (running), reathaíocht (running)
“Rith” as a verbal noun
After ag, rith means running: it is the verbal noun of the verb rith (to run). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Rith” with the article
The plural of running in Irish is rití. Here is rith after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Rith” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using rith, the Irish word for running.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Running in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for running?
The Irish for running is rith (pronounced “rih”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rití. Depending on context it can also mean run or course.
How do you pronounce rith in Irish?
Rith is said like “rih” (IPA /ɾˠɪh/).
What is the plural of running in Irish?
The plural of rith is rití; with the article, it is na rití. The genitive plural is rití, as in líon na rití (the number of runs).
Does rith have more than one meaning?
Yes. Rith can mean running, run or course, depending on context; the first is the most common. Rith also has its own entry as a verb meaning to run.
What does 'i rith' mean?
'I rith' means during or throughout, followed by the genitive: i rith na hoíche, during the night.
Why is 'reatha' used for 'current' in terms like cuntas reatha?
The genitive reatha means 'running', so cuntas reatha is literally a running account, and cúrsaí reatha are current affairs.
