Action in Irish (Gníomh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for action?

The Irish for action is gníomh (pronounced “g-neev”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gníomhartha. Depending on context it can also mean deed or act.

Q: What is the plural of action in Irish?

The plural of gníomh is gníomhartha; with the article, na gníomhartha means “the actions”. The genitive plural is gníomhartha, as in toradh na ngníomhartha (the result of the actions).

Q: Does gníomh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gníomh can mean action, deed or act, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “action” in Irish

Irish:: gníomh
English:: action, deed, act
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “g-neev” /ɟnʲiːvˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: gníomhartha (actions)
Genitive singular:: gnímh, an ghnímh (e.g. fear gnímh, a man of action)
Genitive plural:: gníomhartha, na ngníomhartha (e.g. toradh na ngníomhartha, the result of the actions)

What does “gníomh” mean?

“Gníomh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

action: Something that is done; the process of doing something rather than talking about it.Also: act, activity, doing.

2 other meanings: deed or act

2deed: A particular act or deed, often a notable or brave one.Also: act, feat, exploit.
3act: One of the main divisions of a play.Also: act of a play.

Other Irish words for action: gníomhú (acting), aicsean (action)

“Gníomh” with the article

The plural of action in Irish is gníomhartha. Here is gníomh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gníomh

the action

No change after an

na gníomhartha

the actions

Plural: no change after na

“Gníomh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gníomh, the Irish word for action.

Tá gá le gníomh anois, ní le caint.

We need action now, not talk.

Ba é sin an gníomh ba chróga a chonaic mé.

That was the bravest deed I ever saw.

Is fear gnímh é Seán.

Seán is a man of action.

Bíonn iarmhairtí ag ár ngníomhartha go léir.

All our actions have consequences.

Rinne sé dea-ghníomh inniu.

He did a good deed today.

Tagann an laoch isteach sa dara gníomh.

The hero comes in in the second act.

Ní mhaithfidh mé an gníomh sin go deo.

I will never forgive that act.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Action in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for action?

The Irish for action is gníomh (pronounced “g-neev”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gníomhartha. Depending on context it can also mean deed or act.

How do you pronounce gníomh in Irish?

Gníomh is said like “g-neev” (IPA /ɟnʲiːvˠ/).

What is the plural of action in Irish?

The plural of gníomh is gníomhartha; with the article, na gníomhartha means “the actions”. The genitive plural is gníomhartha, as in toradh na ngníomhartha (the result of the actions).

Does gníomh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gníomh can mean action, deed or act, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gníomh change to ghníomh or ngníomh?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gníomh becomes mo ghníomh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngníomh (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'gníomh' and 'gníomhaíocht'?

'Gníomh' is a single act or deed, while 'gníomhaíocht' means activity in general, e.g. 'gníomhaíochtaí scoile' (school activities).

How do I say 'to take action'?

Use 'beart a dhéanamh' or 'dul i mbun gnímh', e.g. 'Caithfimid dul i mbun gnímh' (We must take action).

Action in Irish (Gníomh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage