HeyRuaHow to say “speaking” in Irish
- Irish:
- labhairt
- English:
- speaking, speech
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- labhair, to speak (ag labhairt, speaking)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “LOW-urt” /ˈl̪ˠəuɾˠtʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- labhartha, na labhartha (e.g. cumas labhartha, ability to speak)
What does “labhairt” mean?
“Labhairt” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- speaking
- The verbal noun of the verb labhair: the act of speaking or talking.Also: talking, speech, utterance.
1 other meaning: speech
- 2speech
- The power or manner of speaking, or the spoken form of a language as opposed to writing.Also: spoken language, oral, diction.
“Labhairt” as a verbal noun
After ag, labhairt means speaking: it is the verbal noun of the verb labhair (to speak). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Labhairt” with the article
Here is labhairt after the article (an t-alt).
“Labhairt” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using labhairt, the Irish word for speaking.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Speaking in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for speaking?
The Irish for speaking is labhairt (pronounced “LOW-urt”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean speech.
How do you pronounce labhairt in Irish?
Labhairt is said like “LOW-urt” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠəuɾˠtʲ/).
Does labhairt have a plural?
No plural form is given for labhairt in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does labhairt have more than one meaning?
Yes. Labhairt can mean speaking or speech, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between labhairt and caint?
Labhairt is the verbal noun of labhair (to speak), as in ag labhairt Gaeilge. Caint means talk or speech in general and is also used as a verbal noun: ag caint le duine.
How do I say 'spoken Irish'?
Use the genitive as an adjective: Gaeilge labhartha. Likewise an teanga labhartha means the spoken language.
