HeyRuaHow to say “ale” in Irish
- Irish:
- leann
- English:
- ale, liquid
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “lyown” /lʲaun̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- leannta (ales)
- Genitive singular:
- leanna, an leanna (e.g. pionta leanna, a pint of ale)
- Genitive plural:
- leannta, na leannta (e.g. déantús na leannta, the brewing of the ales)
What does “leann” mean?
“Leann” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ale
- An alcoholic drink brewed from malt, such as ale or beer.Also: beer, stout, brew.
1 other meaning: liquid
- 2liquid
- A fluid or liquid, especially a bodily humour in older usage.Also: fluid, humour.
Other Irish words for ale: beoir (beer)
“Leann” with the article
The plural of ale in Irish is leannta. Here is leann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Leann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using leann, the Irish word for ale.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ale in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ale?
The Irish for ale is leann (pronounced “lyown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leannta. Depending on context it can also mean liquid.
How do you pronounce leann in Irish?
Leann is said like “lyown” (IPA /lʲaun̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of ale in Irish?
The plural of leann is leannta; with the article, na leannta means “the ales”. The genitive plural is leannta, as in déantús na leannta (the brewing of the ales).
Does leann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Leann can mean ale or liquid, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Does 'leann dubh' only mean stout?
No: 'leann dubh' means stout, but it is also a traditional expression for sorrow or melancholy, as in 'tá leann dubh air', he is downhearted.
What is the difference between 'leann' and 'beoir'?
'Beoir' is the usual everyday word for beer, while 'leann' means ale and appears in names of drinks such as 'leann úll' (cider).
