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Valour in Irish (Gaiscíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘gaiscíocht’ also means: boasting

The Irish for valour is gaiscíocht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “valour” in Irish

Irish:
gaiscíocht
English:
valour, boasting
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“GASH-kee-ukht”  /ˈɡaʃciːəxt̪/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
gaiscíochta, na gaiscíochta (e.g. scéalta gaiscíochta, tales of valour)

What does “gaiscíocht” mean?

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

valour
Bravery and skill in fighting, especially as shown by heroic deeds.Also: heroism, bravery, prowess, feats of arms.
1 other meaning: boasting
2boasting
Bragging or showing off one's supposed bravery.Also: bravado, bragging, swagger.

“Gaiscíocht” with the article

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

an ghaiscíocht
the valour
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gaiscíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gaiscíocht, the Irish word for valour.

Bhí gaiscíocht mhór ag baint leis an laoch sin.
That hero was known for great valour.
Léigh mé leabhar faoi ghaiscíocht Chú Chulainn.
I read a book about the heroic deeds of Cú Chulainn.
Ní raibh ann ach gaiscíocht, ní dhearna sé faic.
It was all bravado, he did nothing.
Is maith leis na páistí scéalta gaiscíochta.
The children love tales of heroism.
Stop den ghaiscíocht sin agus déan an obair.
Stop that showing off and do the work.
Thaispeáin na saighdiúirí gaiscíocht sa chath.
The soldiers showed valour in the battle.
Tá cáil na gaiscíochta ar Fhionn mac Cumhaill.
Fionn mac Cumhaill is famous for his prowess.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Valour in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for valour?

The Irish for valour is gaiscíocht (pronounced “GASH-kee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean boasting.

How do you pronounce gaiscíocht in Irish?

Gaiscíocht is said like “GASH-kee-ukht” (IPA /ˈɡaʃciːəxt̪/).

Does gaiscíocht have a plural?

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

Does gaiscíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaiscíocht can mean valour or boasting, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gaiscíocht change to ghaiscíocht or ngaiscíocht?

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

How is 'gaiscíocht' different from 'gaisce'?

'Gaisce' usually means a single feat or great achievement, as in 'rinne sé gaisce', while 'gaiscíocht' is the quality of valour or heroic conduct in general, and can also mean bravado.

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