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Thirst in Irish (Tart): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘tart’ also means: craving

The Irish for thirst is tart, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “thirst” in Irish

Irish:
tart
English:
thirst, craving
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“tart”  /t̪ˠaɾˠt̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tarta, an tarta (e.g. leigheas an tarta, the cure for thirst)

What does “tart” mean?

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

thirst
The feeling of needing something to drink.Also: thirstiness, dryness, drought.
1 other meaning: craving
2craving
A strong desire or longing for something, used figuratively.Also: longing, yearning, desire.

“Tart” with the article

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

an tart
the thirst
No change after an

“Tart” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tart, the Irish word for thirst.

An bhfuil tart ort?
Are you thirsty?
Tá tart an domhain orm tar éis na siúlóide.
I'm terribly thirsty after the walk.
Ól gloine uisce agus imeoidh an tart.
Drink a glass of water and the thirst will go.
Bhí na páistí ag fáil bháis leis an tart.
The children were dying of thirst.
Ní raibh aon tart orm ar maidin.
I wasn't thirsty at all this morning.
Cuireann bia goirt tart ar dhuine.
Salty food makes a person thirsty.
Ní féidir liom an tart seo a mhúchadh.
I can't quench this thirst.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Phrases with “tart”

Thirst in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for thirst?

The Irish for thirst is tart (pronounced “tart”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean craving.

How do you pronounce tart in Irish?

Tart is said like “tart” (IPA /t̪ˠaɾˠt̪ˠ/).

Does tart have a plural?

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

Does tart have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tart can mean thirst or craving, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tart change to thart or dtart?

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

How do I say 'I am thirsty' in Irish?

Irish uses a phrase with 'ar': 'Tá tart orm', literally 'thirst is on me'. Compare 'Tá ocras orm' for 'I am hungry'.

Does 'tart' mean a pastry tart?

No, 'tart' in Irish means thirst. A pastry tart is 'toirtín'.

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