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Updated Apr 19, 2026
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Irish Verb Conjugations Explained: First and Second Types
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Understanding Irish Verb Conjugations
Getting your head around Irish verb conjugations is absolutely crucial for your exams, especially in the writing sections. The good news? Once you crack the system, it becomes much easier than you think.
Irish verbs are split into two main groups called conjugations. Think of these as different teams that follow their own playbook. The verb stem is just the basic dictionary form of the verb - like glan (to clean) or dún (to close).
Here's a game-changer: caol le caol agus leathan le leathan is the most important spelling rule you'll ever learn in Irish. If the last vowel in your verb stem is slender (e, i), your ending must start with a slender vowel. If it's broad (a, o, u), your ending must start with a broad vowel.
Quick tip: Remember broad vowels as "are old uncles" - a, o, u. The slender vowels are just e and i!
Telling the Conjugations Apart
The secret to mastering first conjugation and second conjugation verbs is surprisingly simple - just count the syllables! It's honestly that straightforward.
An Chéad Réimniú (First Conjugation) includes all verbs with just one syllable. Think of verbs like dún (close), bris (break), ól (drink), and glan (clean). These are your short, snappy verbs.
An Dara Réimniú (Second Conjugation) covers verbs with two or more syllables. Most of these end in -aigh or -igh, like ceannaigh (buy), bailigh (collect), éirigh (get up), and oscail (open).
Remember: One syllable = first conjugation, two or more = second conjugation. Count those syllables and you're halfway there!
Past Tense (Aimsir Chaite)
The past tense is your go-to for describing things that have already happened, and the patterns are actually quite predictable once you get the hang of them.
For first conjugation verbs, you add a séimhiú (that's the 'h' after the first letter) to the start. So glan becomes ghlan. For the muid form, you tack on -amar or -eamar depending on that golden rule - ghlanamar in this case.
Second conjugation verbs also get the séimhiú treatment - bailigh becomes bhailigh. But here's where it gets interesting: for the muid form, you drop the -igh and add -íomar. So bailigh becomes bhailíomar.
Watch out: Verbs starting with vowels, l, n, r, or f can't take a séimhiú. Instead, you might need to add d' before them, like d'ól mé.
Future Tense (Aimsir Fháistineach)
The future tense is brilliant for talking about what's going to happen, and it follows some really clear patterns that'll make your life easier.
First conjugation verbs get -faidh or -fidh added to the end, following our caol le caol rule. So dún becomes dúnfaidh. For the muid form, use -faimid or -fimid - giving you dúnfaimid.
Second conjugation verbs need a bit more work. First, drop that -aigh or -igh from the end - ceannaigh becomes ceann. Then add -óidh or -eoidh depending on whether the last vowel is broad or slender. Since ceann ends with broad 'a', we get ceannóidh.
Critical mistake to avoid: Never write ceannaighfidh! You must drop the -aigh first, then add the future ending.
Working Through Examples
Let's put this into practice with some real examples that'll show you exactly how this works in action.
Take bris (to break) in the past tense. It's one syllable, so it's first conjugation. Add the séimhiú to get bhris, and for muid, the 'i' is slender so we need -eamar: bhriseamar. Simple as that!
Now try críochnaigh (to finish) in the future tense. Two syllables means second conjugation. Drop the -aigh to get críochn, then since the 'o' is broad, add -óidh: críochnóidh. The muid form becomes críochnóimid.
The key is following the steps methodically - identify the conjugation, apply the right rule, check your vowels, and you're sorted. Practice with different verbs and you'll spot the patterns quickly.
Pro tip: Always identify which conjugation you're dealing with before you start changing anything. This one step will save you from most mistakes!
Exam Success Summary
Here's everything you need to remember for your exams, broken down into bite-sized chunks that'll stick in your memory.
First conjugation verbs have one syllable (like dún, glan, bris). In the past tense, add séimhiú and use -amar/-eamar for muid. In the future, add -faidh/-fidh and -faimid/-fimid for muid.
Second conjugation verbs have two or more syllables, often ending in -aigh/-igh (like ceannaigh, bailigh). Past tense gets séimhiú, with muid dropping -igh and adding -íomar. Future tense drops -aigh/-igh and adds -óidh/-eoidh, with muid getting -óimid/-eoimid.
Remember: count syllables first, follow the pattern for that conjugation, and always check your caol le caol rule. You've absolutely got this!
Final reminder: The syllable count is your compass - it'll always point you in the right direction for which conjugation to use.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Irish Verb Conjugations Explained: First and Second Types
Learning Irish verb conjugations might seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward once you know the patterns. All Irish verbs fall into two main groups based on how many syllables they have, and each group follows its own set of... Show more
Understanding Irish Verb Conjugations
Getting your head around Irish verb conjugations is absolutely crucial for your exams, especially in the writing sections. The good news? Once you crack the system, it becomes much easier than you think.
Irish verbs are split into two main groups called conjugations. Think of these as different teams that follow their own playbook. The verb stem is just the basic dictionary form of the verb - like glan (to clean) or dún (to close).
Here's a game-changer: caol le caol agus leathan le leathan is the most important spelling rule you'll ever learn in Irish. If the last vowel in your verb stem is slender (e, i), your ending must start with a slender vowel. If it's broad (a, o, u), your ending must start with a broad vowel.
Quick tip: Remember broad vowels as "are old uncles" - a, o, u. The slender vowels are just e and i!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Telling the Conjugations Apart
The secret to mastering first conjugation and second conjugation verbs is surprisingly simple - just count the syllables! It's honestly that straightforward.
An Chéad Réimniú (First Conjugation) includes all verbs with just one syllable. Think of verbs like dún (close), bris (break), ól (drink), and glan (clean). These are your short, snappy verbs.
An Dara Réimniú (Second Conjugation) covers verbs with two or more syllables. Most of these end in -aigh or -igh, like ceannaigh (buy), bailigh (collect), éirigh (get up), and oscail (open).
Remember: One syllable = first conjugation, two or more = second conjugation. Count those syllables and you're halfway there!
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Past Tense (Aimsir Chaite)
The past tense is your go-to for describing things that have already happened, and the patterns are actually quite predictable once you get the hang of them.
For first conjugation verbs, you add a séimhiú (that's the 'h' after the first letter) to the start. So glan becomes ghlan. For the muid form, you tack on -amar or -eamar depending on that golden rule - ghlanamar in this case.
Second conjugation verbs also get the séimhiú treatment - bailigh becomes bhailigh. But here's where it gets interesting: for the muid form, you drop the -igh and add -íomar. So bailigh becomes bhailíomar.
Watch out: Verbs starting with vowels, l, n, r, or f can't take a séimhiú. Instead, you might need to add d' before them, like d'ól mé.
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Future Tense (Aimsir Fháistineach)
The future tense is brilliant for talking about what's going to happen, and it follows some really clear patterns that'll make your life easier.
First conjugation verbs get -faidh or -fidh added to the end, following our caol le caol rule. So dún becomes dúnfaidh. For the muid form, use -faimid or -fimid - giving you dúnfaimid.
Second conjugation verbs need a bit more work. First, drop that -aigh or -igh from the end - ceannaigh becomes ceann. Then add -óidh or -eoidh depending on whether the last vowel is broad or slender. Since ceann ends with broad 'a', we get ceannóidh.
Critical mistake to avoid: Never write ceannaighfidh! You must drop the -aigh first, then add the future ending.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Working Through Examples
Let's put this into practice with some real examples that'll show you exactly how this works in action.
Take bris (to break) in the past tense. It's one syllable, so it's first conjugation. Add the séimhiú to get bhris, and for muid, the 'i' is slender so we need -eamar: bhriseamar. Simple as that!
Now try críochnaigh (to finish) in the future tense. Two syllables means second conjugation. Drop the -aigh to get críochn, then since the 'o' is broad, add -óidh: críochnóidh. The muid form becomes críochnóimid.
The key is following the steps methodically - identify the conjugation, apply the right rule, check your vowels, and you're sorted. Practice with different verbs and you'll spot the patterns quickly.
Pro tip: Always identify which conjugation you're dealing with before you start changing anything. This one step will save you from most mistakes!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Exam Success Summary
Here's everything you need to remember for your exams, broken down into bite-sized chunks that'll stick in your memory.
First conjugation verbs have one syllable (like dún, glan, bris). In the past tense, add séimhiú and use -amar/-eamar for muid. In the future, add -faidh/-fidh and -faimid/-fimid for muid.
Second conjugation verbs have two or more syllables, often ending in -aigh/-igh (like ceannaigh, bailigh). Past tense gets séimhiú, with muid dropping -igh and adding -íomar. Future tense drops -aigh/-igh and adds -óidh/-eoidh, with muid getting -óimid/-eoimid.
Remember: count syllables first, follow the pattern for that conjugation, and always check your caol le caol rule. You've absolutely got this!
Final reminder: The syllable count is your compass - it'll always point you in the right direction for which conjugation to use.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user