Shortness in Irish (Giorracht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for shortness?

The Irish for shortness is giorracht (pronounced “GIR-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean nearness.

Q: Does giorracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giorracht can mean shortness or nearness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shortness” in Irish

Irish:: giorracht
English:: shortness, nearness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “GIR-ukht” /ˈɟɪɾˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: giorrachta, na giorrachta (e.g. de bharr giorrachta an lae, because of the shortness of the day)

What does “giorracht” mean?

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

shortness: The quality of being short in length or time.Also: brevity, conciseness.

1 other meaning: nearness

2nearness: The state of being close in distance or time, used especially in the phrase 'i ngiorracht'.Also: closeness, proximity.

Other Irish words for shortness: giorra (shortness)

“Giorracht” with the article

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

an ghiorracht

the shortness

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Giorracht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using giorracht, the Irish word for shortness.

Chuir giorracht an lae isteach orm.

The shortness of the day bothered me.

Tá na laethanta ag dul i ngiorracht anois.

The days are getting shorter now.

Níl aon siopa in aon ghiorracht dúinn.

There is no shop anywhere near us.

Bhí sé i ngiorracht míle don bhaile.

He was within a mile of the town.

D'inis sí a fhad is a ghiorracht dom.

She told me the long and the short of it.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

buachaillboy neartstrength sraithseries pianpain gaothwind bronntanaspresent

Shortness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shortness?

The Irish for shortness is giorracht (pronounced “GIR-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean nearness.

How do you pronounce giorracht in Irish?

Giorracht is said like “GIR-ukht” (IPA /ˈɟɪɾˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does giorracht have a plural?

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

Does giorracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giorracht can mean shortness or nearness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does giorracht change to ghiorracht or ngiorracht?

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

How do I say the days are getting shorter?

Say 'Tá na laethanta ag dul i ngiorracht', using giorracht with the preposition i.

What is the difference between giorracht and giorrú?

Giorracht is the state of being short, while giorrú is the act of shortening, the verbal noun of giorraigh.

Shortness in Irish (Giorracht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage