Trifle in Irish (Traidhfil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for trifle?

The Irish for trifle is traidhfil (pronounced “TRYE-fil”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean trifle (dessert).

Q: Does traidhfil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Traidhfil can mean trifle or trifle (dessert), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “trifle” in Irish

Irish:: traidhfil
English:: trifle, trifle (dessert)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TRYE-fil” /t̪ˠɾˠəifʲɪlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: traidhfil, na traidhfil (e.g. babhla traidhfil, a bowl of trifle)

What does “traidhfil” mean?

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

trifle: A small amount or a few of something, often used as 'traidhfil' followed by a noun meaning 'a few' or 'a little'.Also: small amount, a few, a little, bit.

1 other meaning: trifle (dessert)

2trifle (dessert): A cold dessert made of layers of sponge cake, fruit, jelly, custard and cream.Also: trifle, dessert, pudding.

Other Irish words for trifle: mionrud (trifle)

“Traidhfil” with the article

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

an traidhfil

the trifle

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Traidhfil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using traidhfil, the Irish word for trifle.

Traidhfil blianta ó shin, bhí mé i mo chónaí i nGaillimh.

A few years ago I lived in Galway.

Tá traidhfil airgid fágtha agam fós.

I still have a little money left.

Rinne mo mháthair traidhfil don Nollaig.

My mother made a trifle for Christmas.

Ar mhaith leat píosa den traidhfil?

Would you like some of the trifle?

Chuir sí sú talún ar bharr na traidhfil.

She put strawberries on top of the trifle.

Níl ann ach traidhfil, ná bí buartha.

It's only a trifle, don't worry.

Bhí traidhfil daoine ag an gcruinniú aréir.

There were a few people at the meeting last night.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Trifle in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for trifle?

The Irish for trifle is traidhfil (pronounced “TRYE-fil”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean trifle (dessert).

How do you pronounce traidhfil in Irish?

Traidhfil is said like “TRYE-fil” (IPA /t̪ˠɾˠəifʲɪlʲ/).

Does traidhfil have a plural?

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

Does traidhfil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Traidhfil can mean trifle or trifle (dessert), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does traidhfil change to thraidhfil or dtraidhfil?

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

How is 'traidhfil' used to mean 'a few'?

It is placed before a noun, often in the genitive, as in 'traidhfil blianta ó shin' (a few years ago) or 'traidhfil airgid' (a little money). It is a borrowing from English 'trifle'.

Trifle in Irish (Traidhfil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage