HeyRuaHow to say “affection” in Irish
- Irish:
- gean
- English:
- affection
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gyan” /ɟan̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- geana, an gheana (e.g. comhartha geana, a sign of affection)
What does “gean” mean?
- affection
- A warm feeling of fondness or love for someone or something.Also: love, fondness, liking.
Other Irish words for affection: grá (love), cion (affection), dáimh (affection), searc (love)
“Gean” with the article
Here is gean after the article (an t-alt).
“Gean” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gean, the Irish word for affection.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Affection in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for affection?
The Irish for affection is gean (pronounced “gyan”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce gean in Irish?
Gean is said like “gyan” (IPA /ɟan̪ˠ/).
Does gean have a plural?
No plural form is given for gean in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does gean change to ghean or ngean?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gean becomes mo ghean (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngean (eclipsis).
How do you say you are fond of someone using 'gean'?
Use 'tá gean agam ar' plus the person: 'Tá gean agam ar Mháire' means 'I am fond of Máire'.
What is the difference between 'gean' and 'grá'?
'Grá' is the general word for love, while 'gean' suggests warm affection or fondness, similar to 'cion'.
