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Spending in Irish (Caitheamh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘caitheamh’ also means: wear · throwing · smoking

The Irish for spending is caitheamh, a masculine noun. Ag caitheamh is throwing, from the verb caith.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “spending” in Irish

Irish:
caitheamh
English:
spending, wear, throwing, smoking
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
caith, to throw (ag caitheamh, throwing)
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KA-hev”  /ˈkahəw/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
caithimh, an chaithimh (e.g. rialú an chaithimh, the control of spending)

What does “caitheamh” mean?

“Caitheamh” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

spending
The verbal noun of 'caith': the act of spending or using up something such as time or money.Also: consumption, using up, passing time.
3 other meanings: wear or throwing or smoking
2wear
The wearing of clothes, or the gradual wearing away of something through use.Also: wearing, wear and tear.
3throwing
The act of throwing, casting or shooting something, also the verbal noun of 'caith'.Also: throw, cast, shooting, firing.
4smoking
The act of smoking tobacco, as in 'caitheamh tobac'.Also: smoking tobacco.

Other Irish words for spending: caitheamh (spending), caiteachas (expenditure)

“Caitheamh” as a verbal noun

After ag, caitheamh means throwing: it is the verbal noun of the verb caith (to throw). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
caitheamhverbal noun
=
ag caitheamhthrowing

“Caitheamh” with the article

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

an caitheamh
the spending
No change after an

“Caitheamh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using caitheamh, the Irish word for spending.

Cén caitheamh aimsire atá agat?
What are your hobbies?
Tá péinteáil agam mar chaitheamh aimsire.
I do painting as a hobby.
Cuireadh cosc ar chaitheamh tobac i dtithe tábhairne.
Smoking was banned in pubs.
Is mór an caitheamh airgid é sin.
That's a big waste of money.
Tá caitheamh maith fágtha sna bróga seo fós.
There's still plenty of wear left in these shoes.
Bhí mé buartha faoin gcaitheamh airgid go léir.
I was worried about all the spending.
Tá an caitheamh le feiceáil ar an gcairpéad.
The wear is visible on the carpet.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Spending in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spending?

The Irish for spending is caitheamh (pronounced “KA-hev”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wear or throwing or smoking.

How do you pronounce caitheamh in Irish?

Caitheamh is said like “KA-hev” (IPA /ˈkahəw/).

Does caitheamh have a plural?

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

Does caitheamh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caitheamh can mean spending, wear, throwing or smoking, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does caitheamh change to chaitheamh or gcaitheamh?

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

How do I say 'hobby' in Irish?

Use 'caitheamh aimsire', literally 'spending of time': Cén caitheamh aimsire atá agat? means 'What's your hobby?'.

How is 'smoking' expressed?

Say 'caitheamh tobac', since 'caith' is the verb used for smoking: Ná caith tobac anseo.

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