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Anxiety in Irish (Imní): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘imní’ also means: care

The Irish for anxiety is imní, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “anxiety” in Irish

Irish:
imní
English:
anxiety, care
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“IM-nee”  /ˈɪmʲnʲiː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
imní, na himní (e.g. cúis imní, cause for concern)

What does “imní” mean?

“Imní” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

anxiety
A feeling of worry or unease about something that might happen.Also: worry, concern, unease, apprehension.
1 other meaning: care
2care
Careful attention or eagerness in doing something; this sense is literary and much less common.Also: diligence, eagerness.

“Imní” with the article

Here is imní after the article (an t-alt).

an imní
the anxiety
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Imní” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using imní, the Irish word for anxiety.

Tá imní orm faoin scrúdú amárach.
I'm worried about the exam tomorrow.
Is cúis imní é do na tuismitheoirí.
It's a cause for concern for the parents.
Ná bíodh imní ort, beidh gach rud ceart go leor.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Chuir an scéala imní mhór uirthi.
The news worried her greatly.
D'imigh an imní nuair a ghlaoigh sé abhaile.
The worry vanished when he phoned home.
Is ábhar imní dom an aimsir.
The weather is a worry for me.
Tá sí ag fulaingt le himní le fada.
She has been suffering from anxiety for a long time.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Phrases with “imní”

Anxiety in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for anxiety?

The Irish for anxiety is imní (pronounced “IM-nee”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean care.

How do you pronounce imní in Irish?

Imní is said like “IM-nee” (IPA /ˈɪmʲnʲiː/).

Does imní have a plural?

No plural form is given for imní in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does imní have more than one meaning?

Yes. Imní can mean anxiety or care, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does imní sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an imní (the anxiety), a himní (her anxiety), a n-imní (their anxiety).

How do I say 'I am worried' in Irish?

Use 'Tá imní orm', literally 'there is anxiety on me'; for someone else, 'Tá imní air' (he is worried).

What is the difference between imní and buairt?

Imní is anxiety or worry about what may happen, while buairt is closer to sorrow or distress; both can translate 'worry'.

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