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Running in Irish (Rith): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rith’ also means: course · to run

The Irish for running is rith, a masculine noun. Ag rith is running, from the verb rith.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “running” in Irish

Irish:
rith
English:
running, course
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
rith, to run (ag rith, running)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“rih”  /ɾˠɪh/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
rite, an rite (e.g. luas rite, speed of running)

What does “rith” mean?

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

running
Rith is the verbal noun of the verb 'rith' (run): the act of running, as in 'ag rith'.Also: run, racing.
1 other meaning: course
2course
The course or duration of something, used mainly in the phrase 'i rith' meaning during or throughout.Also: duration, during, throughout.

Other Irish words for running: rith (running), reáchtáil (running), reathaíocht (running)

Other entries for “rith”

The same spelling has its own page as:

“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.

agat
+
rithverbal noun
=
ag rithrunning

“Rith” with the article

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

an rith
the running
No change after an

“Rith” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rith, the Irish word for running.

Téim ag rith gach maidin.
I go running every morning.
Tá an páiste ag rith sa ghairdín.
The child is running in the garden.
Bhí mé tinn i rith na seachtaine.
I was sick during the week.
Bhí sé ag cur báistí i rith an lae.
It was raining all through the day.
Is maith liom rith ar an trá.
I like running on the beach.
Tháinig sí isteach de rith.
She came in at a run.
Chuir an rith tuirse orm.
The running tired me out.

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. Depending on context it can also mean course.

How do you pronounce rith in Irish?

Rith is said like “rih” (IPA /ɾˠɪh/).

Does rith have a plural?

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

Does rith have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rith can mean running or course, depending on context; the first is the most common. Rith also has its own entry as a verb meaning to run.

How do I say 'during' using rith?

Use 'i rith' followed by the genitive: 'i rith na seachtaine' means 'during the week'.

What is the difference between 'rite' and 'reatha'?

'Rite' is the genitive of rith meaning running, while 'reatha' belongs to the separate rith entry used in terms like 'cuntas reatha' (current account).

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