Work in Irish (Saothar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for work?

The Irish for work is saothar (pronounced “SEE-hur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is saothair. Depending on context it can also mean labour or breathlessness.

Q: What is the plural of work in Irish?

The plural of saothar is saothair; with the article, na saothair means “the works”. The genitive plural is saothar, as in liosta saothar an údair (list of the author's works).

Q: Does saothar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Saothar can mean work, labour or breathlessness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “work” in Irish

Irish:: saothar
English:: work, labour, breathlessness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “SEE-hur” /ˈsˠiːhəɾˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: saothair (works)
Genitive singular:: saothair, an tsaothair (e.g. luach saothair, reward for work, wages)
Genitive plural:: saothar, na saothar (e.g. liosta saothar an údair, list of the author's works)

What does “saothar” mean?

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

work: Something produced by effort, especially a book, painting or piece of music.Also: work of art, opus, composition, piece.

2 other meanings: labour or breathlessness

2labour: Hard physical or mental work done to achieve something.Also: toil, effort, exertion.
3breathlessness: Laboured or heavy breathing caused by strain or exertion.Also: panting, laboured breathing.

Other Irish words for work: obair (work), oibrigh (work)

“Saothar” with the article

The plural of work in Irish is saothair. Here is saothar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an saothar

the work

No change after an

na saothair

the works

Plural: no change after na

“Saothar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using saothar, the Irish word for work.

Is saothar mór é leabhar a scríobh.

Writing a book is a lot of work.

Cé a scríobh an saothar seo?

Who wrote this work?

Cuirtear an saothar i leith Leonardo da Vinci.

The work is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

Fuair sé luach a shaothair faoi dheireadh.

He finally got the reward for his efforts.

Tá saothair an fhile ar fáil sa leabharlann.

The poet's works are available in the library.

Is é seo an saothar is fearr liom.

This is my favourite work.

Bhí saothar air tar éis dó rith suas an cnoc.

He was out of breath after running up the hill.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Work in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for work?

The Irish for work is saothar (pronounced “SEE-hur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is saothair. Depending on context it can also mean labour or breathlessness.

How do you pronounce saothar in Irish?

Saothar is said like “SEE-hur” (IPA /ˈsˠiːhəɾˠ/).

What is the plural of work in Irish?

The plural of saothar is saothair; with the article, na saothair means “the works”. The genitive plural is saothar, as in liosta saothar an údair (list of the author's works).

Does saothar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Saothar can mean work, labour or breathlessness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does saothar change to shaothar?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shaothar. After ár (our) it stays ár saothar, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'saothar' and 'obair'?

'Obair' is the everyday word for work or a job, while 'saothar' stresses toil or a finished piece of work, such as 'saothar ealaíne' (a work of art).

What does 'tá saothar air' mean?

It means he is out of breath or panting from exertion.

Work in Irish (Saothar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage