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Strength in Irish (Neart): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘neart’ also means: plenty · power to help

The Irish for strength is neart, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “strength” in Irish

Irish:
neart
English:
strength, plenty, power to help
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“nyart”  /nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
nirt, an nirt (e.g. gníomh nirt, a feat of strength)

What does “neart” mean?

“Neart” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

strength
Physical or mental strength, force or power.Also: force, power, might, vigour.
2 other meanings: plenty or power to help
2plenty
A large amount or number of something, followed by a noun in the genitive.Also: lots, a lot, many, much.
3power to help
The ability to prevent or remedy something, used in phrases like 'níl neart agam air'.Also: help, remedy, control, power to prevent.

Other Irish words for strength: treise (strength), láidreacht (strength)

“Neart” with the article

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

an neart
the strength
No change after an

“Neart” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using neart, the Irish word for strength.

Tá neart ama againn fós.
We still have plenty of time.
Níl neart agam air, tá brón orm.
I can't help it, I'm sorry.
Chaill sé a neart tar éis na breoiteachta.
He lost his strength after the illness.
Bhí neart daoine ag an gcluiche aréir.
There were plenty of people at the match last night.
Chuir sé a neart go léir leis an doras.
He put all his strength against the door.
Tá an tír ag dul i neart.
The country is growing stronger.
Níl aon neart sna lámha agam.
There's no strength in my hands.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Strength in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for strength?

The Irish for strength is neart (pronounced “nyart”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean plenty or power to help.

How do you pronounce neart in Irish?

Neart is said like “nyart” (IPA /nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ/).

Does neart have a plural?

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

Does neart have more than one meaning?

Yes. Neart can mean strength, plenty or power to help, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'I can't help it' in Irish?

Say 'Níl neart agam air.' Literally 'I have no power over it'; similarly 'Níl neart air' means 'It can't be helped'.

Does 'neart' take the genitive when it means 'plenty'?

Yes, the following noun goes into the genitive: 'neart ama' (plenty of time), 'neart airgid' (plenty of money).

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