oiriúnach
/(ə)ˈɾʲuːn̪ˠəx/
The Irish word for suitable is oiriúnach. Wiktionary also lists fóirsteanach.
Meaning: appropriate to a certain occasion (adj)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA |
|---|---|
| oiriúnach | /(ə)ˈɾʲuːn̪ˠəx/ (Munster) |
| fóirsteanach |
The word is used to describe something that is appropriate to a certain occasion.
Which one should you use?
oiriúnach is the standard word for 'suitable' or 'appropriate' used in a general sense, whereas fóirsteanach is another form available.
How does it change in a sentence?
oiriúnach is the masculine singular form of the adjective, and its plural form is oiriúnacha.
How do you pronounce it?
/(ə)ˈɾʲuːn̪ˠəx/
Did you know?
- The root of oiriúnach, oiriúint, refers to a 'fitting' or 'matching' in a geometric or structural sense, much like a piece of a puzzle.
- The suffix '-ach' in oiriúnach is a common way to turn a noun into an adjective, similar to how the English suffix '-ous' or '-able' functions.
- In certain Irish dialects, the pronunciation of the 'u' in oiriúnach can shift significantly, moving from a clear 'oo' sound to a more central vowel.
Examples in context
- Is é seo an cúrsa oiriúnach.This is the suitable course.
- Tá sé oiriúnúil don ócáid.It is suitable for the occasion.
- Tá sé cóir go leor.It is suitable enough.
- Tá an leabhar sin ceart go leor.That book is suitable enough.
- Tá an áit oiriúnach dúinn.The place is suitable for us.
- Is leabhar oiriúnach é seo.This is a suitable book.
- Níl aon rud eile níos oiriúnach.There is nothing else more suitable.
- An bhfuil an t-am seo oiriúnach duit?Is this time suitable for you?
Example conversation
Cian and Saoirse are choosing clothes for a formal event.
- CianAn bhfuil an curas seo oiriúnach, a Saoirse?Is this suit suitable, Saoirse?
- SaoirseTá, ach tá sé beag beagad, a Chian.Yes, but it is a bit small, Cian.
- CianAn bhfuil an t-uaigneach eile níos oiriúnach?Is the other jacket more suitable?
- SaoirseTá, tá sé go aiféil ansin.Yes, it's perfect there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “suitable” translations and entries oiriúnach, fóirsteanach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
