Time in Irish (Tráth): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for time?

The Irish for time is tráth (pronounced “traw”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tráthanna. Depending on context it can also mean canonical hour or meal.

Q: What is the plural of time in Irish?

The plural of tráth is tráthanna; with the article, na tráthanna means “the times”. The genitive plural is tráthanna, as in amchlár na dtráthanna (the timetable of the periods).

Q: Does tráth have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tráth can mean time, canonical hour or meal, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “time” in Irish

Irish:: tráth
English:: time, canonical hour, meal
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “traw” /t̪ˠɾˠɑː/

Various forms

Plural:: tráthanna (times)
Genitive singular:: trátha, an trátha (e.g. lár an trátha, the middle of the period)
Genitive plural:: tráthanna, na dtráthanna (e.g. amchlár na dtráthanna, the timetable of the periods)

What does “tráth” mean?

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

time: A particular time, period or occasion, often used as 'tráth' meaning 'once' or 'at one time'.Also: occasion, period, once, hour.

2 other meanings: canonical hour or meal

2canonical hour: A set time of day for prayer, as in the Divine Office.Also: hour of prayer, office.
3meal: A mealtime or the meal taken at it, as in 'tráth bia'.Also: mealtime.

Other Irish words for time: am (time), uain (time)

“Tráth” with the article

The plural of time in Irish is tráthanna. Here is tráth after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tráth

the time

No change after an

na tráthanna

the times

Plural: no change after na

“Tráth” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tráth, the Irish word for time.

Bhí mise óg tráth, freisin.

I was young once, too.

Thángamar i dtrátha a trí a chlog.

We came at about three o'clock.

Déanfar in am agus i dtráth é.

It will be done in due course.

Tá cuma thuirseach orthu faoin tráth seo.

They look tired by now.

Ní raibh ach dhá thráth bia againn inniu.

We had only two meals today.

Bhí na tráthanna sin crua ar na daoine.

Those times were hard on the people.

Ba é sin an tráth ab fhearr den bhliain.

That was the best time of the year.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Time in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for time?

The Irish for time is tráth (pronounced “traw”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tráthanna. Depending on context it can also mean canonical hour or meal.

How do you pronounce tráth in Irish?

Tráth is said like “traw” (IPA /t̪ˠɾˠɑː/).

What is the plural of time in Irish?

The plural of tráth is tráthanna; with the article, na tráthanna means “the times”. The genitive plural is tráthanna, as in amchlár na dtráthanna (the timetable of the periods).

Does tráth have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tráth can mean time, canonical hour or meal, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tráth change to thráth or dtráth?

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

What is the difference between 'tráth' and 'am'?

'Am' is the everyday word for time, while 'tráth' refers to a particular occasion or period and is common in set phrases like 'tráth den saol' (at one time) and 'i dtrátha' (around).

How do I say 'once' as in 'once upon a time'?

Used on its own, 'tráth' means 'once, formerly': 'Bhí mé óg tráth' means 'I was young once'.

Time in Irish (Tráth): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage