HeyRuaHow to say “animal” in Irish
- Irish:
- ainmhí
- English:
- animal, brute
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AN-uh-vee” /ˈanʲəvʲiː/
- Plural:
- ainmhithe (animals)
- Genitive singular:
- ainmhí, an ainmhí (e.g. cos an ainmhí, the animal's leg)
- Genitive plural:
- ainmhithe, na n-ainmhithe (e.g. cearta ainmhithe, animal rights)
What does “ainmhí” mean?
“Ainmhí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- animal
- A living creature that is not a plant, especially a beast as distinct from a human.Also: beast, creature.
“Ainmhí” with the article
The plural of animal in Irish is ainmhithe. Here is ainmhí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ainmhí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ainmhí, the Irish word for animal.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Animal in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for animal?
The Irish for animal is ainmhí (pronounced “AN-uh-vee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ainmhithe. Depending on context it can also mean brute.
How do you pronounce ainmhí in Irish?
Ainmhí is said like “AN-uh-vee” (IPA /ˈanʲəvʲiː/).
What is the plural of animal in Irish?
The plural of ainmhí is ainmhithe; with the article, na hainmhithe means “the animals”. The genitive plural is ainmhithe, as in cearta ainmhithe (animal rights).
Does ainmhí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ainmhí can mean animal or brute, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ainmhí sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ainmhí (the animal), a hainmhí (her animal), a n-ainmhí (their animal), na hainmhithe (the animals).
What is the difference between ainmhí and beithíoch?
Ainmhí is the general word for an animal, while beithíoch usually means a beast, especially a large farm animal such as a cow, and can also be an insult.
