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Skill in Irish (Oilteacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘oilteacht’ also means: training

The Irish for skill is oilteacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “skill” in Irish

Irish:
oilteacht
English:
skill, training
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“IL-tyakht”  /ˈɛl̠ʲtʲəxt̪/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
oilteachta, na hoilteachta (e.g. leibhéal oilteachta, level of skill)

What does “oilteacht” mean?

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

skill
The quality of being trained and skilled at something; proficiency or expertise.Also: proficiency, expertise, expertness, skilfulness.
1 other meaning: training
2training
The state of having been trained or educated in a craft or profession.Also: qualification, accomplishment.

Other Irish words for skill: scil (skill)

“Oilteacht” with the article

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

an oilteacht
the skill
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Oilteacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using oilteacht, the Irish word for skill.

Tá oilteacht mhór aige mar shiúinéir.
He is a very skilled carpenter.
Thaispeáin sí an oilteacht a bhí aici sa chluiche.
She showed her skill in the game.
Teastaíonn oilteacht ar leith don obair seo.
This work requires particular skill.
Bhí ardleibhéal oilteachta ag na hoibrithe.
The workers had a high level of skill.
Is iontach an oilteacht atá ina lámha.
There is wonderful skill in her hands.
Tagann oilteacht le cleachtadh.
Skill comes with practice.
Bhí mé ag déanamh iontais d'oilteacht an cheoltóra.
I was marvelling at the musician's skill.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Skill in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for skill?

The Irish for skill is oilteacht (pronounced “IL-tyakht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean training.

How do you pronounce oilteacht in Irish?

Oilteacht is said like “IL-tyakht” (IPA /ˈɛl̠ʲtʲəxt̪/).

Does oilteacht have a plural?

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

Does oilteacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Oilteacht can mean skill or training, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an oilteacht (the skill), a hoilteacht (her skill), a n-oilteacht (their skill).

What is the difference between oilteacht and oiliúint?

Oiliúint is the training process itself, while oilteacht is the resulting skill or proficiency. The related adjective oilte means 'skilled, trained'.

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