HeyRua Get the app

Welfare in Irish (Leas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leas’ also means: interest · use

The Irish for welfare is leas, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “welfare” in Irish

Irish:
leas
English:
welfare, interest, use
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“lass”  /lʲas/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leasa, an leasa (e.g. comhairle a leasa, advice for his own good)

What does “leas” mean?

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

welfare
The good, benefit or well-being of a person or group.Also: well-being, good, benefit.
2 other meanings: interest or use
2interest
What is to someone's advantage; their interest in a matter.Also: advantage, self-interest.
3use
Profitable use of something, as in the phrase 'leas a bhaint as', to make use of it.Also: benefit, profit.

“Leas” with the article

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

an leas
the welfare
No change after an

“Leas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leas, the Irish word for welfare.

Is chun do leasa é.
It's for your own good.
Bhain sí leas as an deis.
She made use of the opportunity.
Ba mhaith liom leas na bpáistí a chosaint.
I want to protect the children's welfare.
Chuir sí comhairle mo leasa orm.
She gave me good advice.
Tá leas an phobail i gceist anseo.
The public interest is at stake here.
Níl sé ar mo leas fanacht anseo.
It's not in my interest to stay here.
Bain leas as an leabharlann.
Make use of the library.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Welfare in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for welfare?

The Irish for welfare is leas (pronounced “lass”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean interest or use.

How do you pronounce leas in Irish?

Leas is said like “lass” (IPA /lʲas/).

Does leas have a plural?

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

Does leas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leas can mean welfare, interest or use, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'make use of' something?

Use 'leas a bhaint as', for example 'bhain mé leas as an ríomhaire', I made use of the computer.

What is the opposite of 'leas'?

'Aimhleas' means harm or detriment, as in 'is chun d'aimhleasa é', it is to your detriment.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like leas through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen