ceart
/caɾˠt̪ˠ/
The Irish word for 'right' in terms of direction is ceart.
The adjective ceart is used to describe a direction, being the opposite of left. It can also function as a noun meaning a legal or moral entitlement, such as a privilege or prerogative.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ceart refers to the direction or an entitlement, the phrase ceart go leor is an idiom used to mean 'all right', 'okay', 'enough' or 'good enough'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/caɾˠt̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The Irish word ceart shares an ancestor with the English word 'certain', as both derive from the Latin 'certus' meaning 'settled' or 'sure'.
- Irish law and historical documents often use ceart to describe the 'right' of a clan or family to land, blending the concept of legal entitlement with moral justice.
- The term ceart go leor is so common that it is often used to end a conversation or a transaction, acting as a linguistic way of saying 'we are square' or 'we are even'.
Examples in context
- Tá sé ceart go leor.It's all right!This sentence shows how to use ceart to say something is all right.Tatoeba #5228134 by cailleachnangadhair, translation #4645428 by MatthewChriswood
- An bhfuil tú ceart go leor?Are you all right?This sentence uses ceart to ask if someone is all right.Tatoeba #6319641 by BasicDeer, translation #275743 by CK
- An bhfuil sé seo ceart go leor?Is this right?
- Tá, tá sé ceart go leor.Yes, it's right enough.
- Go díreach.Right.
Example conversation
Cian and Siobhán are walking down a street together.
- CianCá bhfuil an t-ostán, a Siobhán?Where is the hotel, Siobhán?
- SiobhánTá sé sa treo ceart seo.It is in this right direction.
- CianAn bhfuil sé gar?Is it near?
- SiobhánTá, cas ar an taobh ceart.Yes, turn on the right side.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ceart, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ceart, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
