HeyRuaHow to say “sharpness” in Irish
- Irish:
- géire
- English:
- sharpness, acuteness, sourness, severity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAY-ruh” /ˈɟeːɾʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- géire, na géire (e.g. géire na scine, the sharpness of the knife)
What does “géire” mean?
“Géire” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sharpness
- The quality of being sharp, as of a blade or point.Also: keenness, edge.
3 other meanings: acuteness or sourness or severity
- 2acuteness
- Keenness of mind, sight or hearing; shrewdness.Also: keenness, shrewdness, acumen.
- 3sourness
- A sharp, acid or bitter quality of taste or of words.Also: bitterness, acidity, tartness.
- 4severity
- Harshness or intensity, as of cold, pain or criticism.Also: harshness, intensity.
“Géire” with the article
Here is géire after the article (an t-alt).
“Géire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using géire, the Irish word for sharpness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sharpness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sharpness?
The Irish for sharpness is géire (pronounced “GAY-ruh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean acuteness or sourness or severity.
How do you pronounce géire in Irish?
Géire is said like “GAY-ruh” (IPA /ˈɟeːɾʲə/).
Does géire have a plural?
No plural form is given for géire in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does géire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Géire can mean sharpness, acuteness, sourness or severity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does géire change to ghéire or ngéire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) géire becomes mo ghéire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngéire (eclipsis).
How does 'géire' relate to 'géar'?
'Géire' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'géar' (sharp); it is also used as the comparative, as in 'níos géire' (sharper).
