HeyRuaHow to say “working” in Irish
- Irish:
- oibriú
- English:
- working, working out, fermentation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- oibrigh, to work (ag oibriú, working)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “eb-ir-OO” /ɛbʲəˈɾʲuː/
- Plural:
- oibrithe
- Genitive singular:
- oibrithe, an oibrithe (e.g. costas oibrithe an innill, the cost of running the engine)
- Genitive plural:
- oibrithe, na n-oibrithe (e.g. am oibrithe, operating time)
What does “oibriú” mean?
“Oibriú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- working
- The verbal noun of the verb oibrigh: the act of working, or of operating something such as a machine.Also: operation, operating, functioning.
2 other meanings: working out or fermentation
- 2working out
- The act of working out or effecting something, such as a plan or a sum.Also: effecting, implementation.
- 3fermentation
- The working or fermenting of a substance such as yeast or beer.Also: fermenting.
“Oibriú” as a verbal noun
After ag, oibriú means working: it is the verbal noun of the verb oibrigh (to work). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Oibriú” with the article
The plural of working in Irish is oibrithe. Here is oibriú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Oibriú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using oibriú, the Irish word for working.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Working in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for working?
The Irish for working is oibriú (pronounced “eb-ir-OO”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is oibrithe. Depending on context it can also mean working out or fermentation.
How do you pronounce oibriú in Irish?
Oibriú is said like “eb-ir-OO” (IPA /ɛbʲəˈɾʲuː/).
What is the plural of working in Irish?
The plural of oibriú is oibrithe; with the article, it is na hoibrithe. The genitive plural is oibrithe, as in am oibrithe (operating time).
Does oibriú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Oibriú can mean working, working out or fermentation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does oibriú sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-oibriú (the working), a hoibriú (her working), a n-oibriú (their working).
What is the difference between oibriú and obair?
Obair is the ordinary noun for work or a job, while oibriú is the verbal noun of oibrigh and stresses the act of working or operating, as in 'ag oibriú an innill'.
