labhair
/l̪ˠəuɾʲ/
To speak in Irish is labhair.
The term is used to describe the ability to communicate in a language.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Which one should you use?
labhair is the dictionary form of the verb, but in many contexts describing the ability to speak a language, the verbal noun labhairt is used after phrases like in ann (able to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verbal noun form labhairt is used when the word functions as a noun or follows certain verbs, such as want to speak.
How do you pronounce it?
/l̪ˠəuɾʲ/
Did you know?
- Because Irish is a VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) language, the word labhair will often appear at the very start of a sentence, unlike in English.
- While labhair means to speak, the word caint is often used in daily conversation for the act of chatting. Using labhairt can sometimes sound more formal or refer specifically to the linguistic ability to use a language.
- The modern word labhair descends from the Old Irish form labraithir.
Examples in context
- Níl uaim labhairt faoin ábhar seo.I don't want to speak about this subject.This sentence shows how to use the form labhairt after expressing a desire.Tatoeba #10808521 by janTuki, translation #11841449 by Tatoebauser
- Ní mhian liom do theanga a labhairt.I don't want to speak your language.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form labhairt when referring to a language.Tatoeba #4521440 by Gaeltacht, translation #4489474 by Jesse
- Tuigim Breatnais ach níl mé in ann í a labhairt.I understand Welsh, but I can't speak it.This sentence shows that the form labhairt is used with the phrase in ann (able to).Tatoeba #8248859 by SteCymru14, translation #6106015 by mailohilohi
- Ag labhairt leis an bpobalSpeaking to the public
- Ag labhairt ar an téama tábhachtach seoSpeaking on this important theme
- An bhfuil tú ag caint liom?Are you talking to me?
- Bain triail as caint GaeilgeGive speaking Irish a try
- Bhí áthas an domhain orm nuair a chuala mé é caintI was thrilled when I heard him speak
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Siobhán and Oisín are meeting for the first time.
- SiobhánAn féidir leat Gaeilge a labhairt?Can you speak Irish?
- OisínLabhairim beagán, ach níl mé go hiontach.I speak a little, but I am not great.
- SiobhánIs iontach é sin, a Oisín!That is wonderful, Oisín!
- OisínGo raibh maith agat, a Siobhán.Thank you, Siobhán.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry labhair, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries labhair, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
