Trickery in Irish (Cleasaíocht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for trickery?

The Irish for trickery is cleasaíocht (pronounced “KLASS-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean acrobatics or playfulness.

Q: Does cleasaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cleasaíocht can mean trickery, acrobatics or playfulness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “trickery” in Irish

Irish:: cleasaíocht
English:: trickery, acrobatics, playfulness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KLASS-ee-ukht” /ˈkl̪ʲasˠiːəxt̪/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cleasaíochta, na cleasaíochta (e.g. lucht cleasaíochta, tricksters, performers of tricks)

What does “cleasaíocht” mean?

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

trickery: The playing of tricks or the use of cunning to deceive people.Also: trickiness, deception, cunning.

2 other meanings: acrobatics or playfulness

2acrobatics: The performing of tricks, feats of skill or acrobatics, as by a juggler or gymnast.Also: juggling, conjuring, feats, stunts.
3playfulness: Playing pranks or larking about in a mischievous way.Also: pranks, mischief, larking.

“Cleasaíocht” with the article

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

an chleasaíocht

the trickery

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cleasaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cleasaíocht, the Irish word for trickery.

Ní maith liom cleasaíocht den sórt sin.

I don't like that kind of trickery.

Bhí an chleasaíocht ar fheabhas ag an sorcas.

The acrobatics at the circus were excellent.

Stop den chleasaíocht agus déan do chuid oibre.

Stop messing about and do your work.

Níl sé ach ag cleasaíocht leat.

He's only playing tricks on you.

Chonaiceamar seó cleasaíochta ar an tsráid.

We saw a street show of tricks.

Ní raibh ann ach cleasaíocht pholaitiúil.

It was nothing but political trickery.

Bhí na páistí i mbun cleasaíochta sa ghairdín.

The children were playing pranks in the garden.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

stairhistory leanbhchild fadhbproblem cúiscause GaillimhGalway cruinniúmeeting

Trickery in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for trickery?

The Irish for trickery is cleasaíocht (pronounced “KLASS-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean acrobatics or playfulness.

How do you pronounce cleasaíocht in Irish?

Cleasaíocht is said like “KLASS-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈkl̪ʲasˠiːəxt̪/).

Does cleasaíocht have a plural?

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

Does cleasaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cleasaíocht can mean trickery, acrobatics or playfulness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cleasaíocht change to chleasaíocht or gcleasaíocht?

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

How is cleasaíocht related to cleas?

Cleas means a single trick or feat, while cleasaíocht is the abstract activity of performing tricks, whether skilful or deceitful.

Trickery in Irish (Cleasaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage