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Smallness in Irish (Laghad): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘laghad’ also means: least

The Irish for smallness is laghad, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “smallness” in Irish

Irish:
laghad
English:
smallness, least
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“lyed”  /l̪ˠəid̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
laghad, an laghad (e.g. méid an laghad, the degree of smallness)

What does “laghad” mean?

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

smallness
The state of being small or little in size or amount.Also: littleness, paucity, fewness, scarcity.
1 other meaning: least
2least
Used in set phrases such as 'ar a laghad' (at least) and 'dá laghad' (the slightest, however little).Also: at least, slightest, minimum.

Other Irish words for smallness: bige (smallness)

“Laghad” with the article

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

an laghad
the smallness
No change after an

“Laghad” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using laghad, the Irish word for smallness.

Níl suim dá laghad agam i bpeil.
I'm not at all interested in football.
Glacfaidh sé sé bliana ar a laghad.
It will take at least six years.
Tá an líon daoine ag dul i laghad.
The number of people is decreasing.
Bhí ionadh orm faoi laghad an tslua.
I was surprised at how small the crowd was.
Níor chuir an scéal isteach orm dá laghad.
The news didn't bother me in the slightest.
Bíonn ar a laghad deichniúr sa rang.
There are at least ten people in the class.
Ní raibh eagla dá laghad uirthi.
She wasn't the least bit afraid.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Smallness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for smallness?

The Irish for smallness is laghad (pronounced “lyed”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean least.

How do you pronounce laghad in Irish?

Laghad is said like “lyed” (IPA /l̪ˠəid̪ˠ/).

Does laghad have a plural?

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

Does laghad have more than one meaning?

Yes. Laghad can mean smallness or least, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'at least' in Irish?

Use 'ar a laghad', for example 'deich euro ar a laghad' (at least ten euro).

What does 'ag dul i laghad' mean?

It means decreasing or getting smaller; the opposite is 'ag dul i méid' (increasing).

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