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Strengthening in Irish (Neartú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘neartú’ also means: intensification

The Irish for strengthening is neartú, a masculine noun. Ag neartú is strengthening, from the verb neartaigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “strengthening” in Irish

Irish:
neartú
English:
strengthening, intensification
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
neartaigh, to strengthen (ag neartú, strengthening)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“NYAR-too”  /ˈnʲaɾˠt̪ˠuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
neartaithe, an neartaithe (e.g. plean neartaithe na teanga, plan for strengthening the language)

What does “neartú” mean?

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

strengthening
The act of making something stronger or more powerful; it is the verbal noun of the verb neartaigh.Also: reinforcement, consolidation, invigoration.
1 other meaning: intensification
2intensification
An increase in force or intensity, as of wind or a feeling.Also: increase, growing stronger.

Other Irish words for strengthening: daingniú (fortification)

“Neartú” as a verbal noun

After ag, neartú means strengthening: it is the verbal noun of the verb neartaigh (to strengthen). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
neartúverbal noun
=
ag neartústrengthening

“Neartú” with the article

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

an neartú
the strengthening
No change after an

“Neartú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using neartú, the Irish word for strengthening.

Tá neartú na Gaeilge tábhachtach dúinn go léir.
Strengthening Irish is important to us all.
Bhí an ghaoth ag neartú i rith na hoíche.
The wind was strengthening during the night.
Theastaigh neartú ón droichead tar éis na stoirme.
The bridge needed reinforcing after the storm.
Is cuid den phlean neartaithe é an clár seo.
This programme is part of the strengthening plan.
Labhair an t-aire faoi neartú an gheilleagair.
The minister spoke about strengthening the economy.
Cabhraíonn aclaíocht le neartú na matán.
Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles.
Táimid ag obair ar neartú an phobail áitiúil.
We are working on strengthening the local community.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Strengthening in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for strengthening?

The Irish for strengthening is neartú (pronounced “NYAR-too”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean intensification.

How do you pronounce neartú in Irish?

Neartú is said like “NYAR-too” (IPA /ˈnʲaɾˠt̪ˠuː/).

Does neartú have a plural?

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

Does neartú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Neartú can mean strengthening or intensification, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between neart and neartú?

Neart means strength itself, while neartú is the act of strengthening, the verbal noun of neartaigh.

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