HeyRuaHow to say “work” in Irish
- Irish:
- obair
- English:
- work, job, works
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OB-ir” /ˈobˠəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- oibreacha (works)
- Genitive singular:
- oibre, na hoibre (e.g. lá oibre, a working day)
- Genitive plural:
- oibreacha, na n-oibreacha (e.g. clár na n-oibreacha, the programme of works)
What does “obair” mean?
“Obair” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- work
- Effort or activity done to achieve something, or the job a person does; also the verbal noun of the verb oibrigh, to work.Also: labour, working, toil.
2 other meanings: job or works
“Obair” with the article
The plural of work in Irish is oibreacha. Here is obair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Obair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using obair, the Irish word for work.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Work in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for work?
The Irish for work is obair (pronounced “OB-ir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is oibreacha. Depending on context it can also mean job or works.
How do you pronounce obair in Irish?
Obair is said like “OB-ir” (IPA /ˈobˠəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of work in Irish?
The plural of obair is oibreacha; with the article, na hoibreacha means “the works”. The genitive plural is oibreacha, as in clár na n-oibreacha (the programme of works).
Does obair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Obair can mean work, job or works, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does obair sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an obair (the work), a hobair (her work), a n-obair (their work), na hoibreacha (the works).
How do I say 'I am working' in Irish?
Use the verbal noun with ag: Tá mé ag obair. To say where, add i: Tá mé ag obair i mbanc.
What is the difference between obair and post?
Obair is work in general, while post is a specific job or position: Fuair mé post nua, I got a new job.
