HeyRuaHow to say “afraid” in Irish
- Irish:
- eaglach
- English:
- afraid, timid
- Word type:
- adjective
- More afraid:
- níos eaglaí
- Most afraid:
- is eaglaí
- Plural:
- eaglacha
- Pronunciation:
- “AG-lukh” /ˈaɡləx/
What does “eaglach” mean?
“Eaglach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- afraid
- Feeling fear or worry about something.Also: fearful, frightened, scared, apprehensive.
1 other meaning: timid
- 2timid
- Easily frightened and lacking confidence.Also: fearful, nervous, shy.
“Eaglach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is eaglach after páiste (child, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, eaglacha.
More afraid, most afraid, very afraid
Tá sí níos eaglaí ná a deartháir. She is more fearful than her brother.
| more afraid | níos eaglaí | in the past tense: ní b'eaglaí |
|---|---|---|
| most afraid | is eaglaí | in the past tense: ab eaglaí |
| as afraid as | chomh heaglach le | chomh puts an h before a vowel |
| very afraid | an-eaglach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too afraid | ró-eaglach | ró- lenites |
“Eaglach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Afraid in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for afraid?
The Irish for afraid is eaglach (pronounced “AG-lukh”). It comes after the noun: páiste eaglach, an afraid child; bean eaglach, an afraid woman.
How do you say more afraid and most afraid in Irish?
níos eaglaí is more afraid and is eaglaí is most afraid. In the past tense they become ní b'eaglaí and ab eaglaí.
What is the plural of eaglach?
With a plural noun eaglach becomes eaglacha: páistí eaglacha, mná eaglacha.
How do you say very afraid in Irish?
an-eaglach. Too afraid is ró-eaglach, and as afraid as is chomh heaglach le.
Does eaglach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eaglach can mean afraid or timid, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'eaglach' and 'faiteach'?
Both mean fearful, but 'faiteach' often suggests shyness or timidity by nature, while 'eaglach' stresses fear or apprehension. To say you are afraid of something, 'Tá eagla orm roimh' is the most common construction.
