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Tiredness in Irish (Tuirse): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘tuirse’ also means: sorrow

The Irish for tiredness is tuirse, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “tiredness” in Irish

Irish:
tuirse
English:
tiredness, sorrow
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“TIR-shuh”  /ˈt̪ˠɪɾˠʃə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
tuirse, na tuirse (e.g. comharthaí tuirse, signs of tiredness)

What does “tuirse” mean?

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

tiredness
The feeling of being tired or worn out after effort or lack of sleep.Also: weariness, fatigue, exhaustion.
1 other meaning: sorrow
2sorrow
A heavy, weary feeling of sadness or grief.Also: dejection, sadness.

“Tuirse” with the article

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

an tuirse
the tiredness
No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Tuirse” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tuirse, the Irish word for tiredness.

Tá tuirse orm inniu.
I'm tired today.
An bhfuil tuirse ort tar éis na hoibre?
Are you tired after work?
Cuireann an cógas tuirse orm.
The medication makes me tired.
Bhí an tuirse ag teacht orm sa charr.
Tiredness was coming over me in the car.
Thit sé ina chodladh le tuirse.
He fell asleep from tiredness.
Bhí comharthaí tuirse le feiceáil ar a haghaidh.
Signs of tiredness could be seen on her face.
Tá tuirse an domhain orm anocht.
I'm absolutely exhausted tonight.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Phrases with “tuirse”

Tiredness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tiredness?

The Irish for tiredness is tuirse (pronounced “TIR-shuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sorrow.

How do you pronounce tuirse in Irish?

Tuirse is said like “TIR-shuh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɪɾˠʃə/).

Does tuirse have a plural?

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

Does tuirse have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tuirse can mean tiredness or sorrow, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tuirse change to thuirse or dtuirse?

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

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

Say 'Tá tuirse orm', literally 'tiredness is on me', or use the adjective: 'Tá mé tuirseach'.

What is the difference between tuirse and leisce?

Tuirse is tiredness from effort or lack of sleep, while leisce is laziness or reluctance to do something.

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