HeyRuaHow to say “art” in Irish
- Irish:
- ealaín
- English:
- art, skill, trick
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AL-een” /ˈalˠiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- ealaíona (arts)
- Genitive singular:
- ealaíne, na healaíne (e.g. gailearaí ealaíne, art gallery)
- Genitive plural:
- ealaíon, na n-ealaíon (e.g. cur chun cinn na n-ealaíon, the promotion of the arts)
What does “ealaín” mean?
“Ealaín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- art
- Creative work such as painting, sculpture, music or literature, or the skill of producing it.Also: arts, fine art, artwork.
2 other meanings: skill or trick
- 2skill
- A craft or skilled method of doing something, a learned technique.Also: craft, technique, art of.
- 3trick
- A clever trick, wile or prank.Also: caper, wile, prank.
“Ealaín” with the article
The plural of art in Irish is ealaíona. Here is ealaín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ealaín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ealaín, the Irish word for art.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Art in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for art?
The Irish for art is ealaín (pronounced “AL-een”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ealaíona. Depending on context it can also mean skill or trick.
How do you pronounce ealaín in Irish?
Ealaín is said like “AL-een” (IPA /ˈalˠiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of art in Irish?
The plural of ealaín is ealaíona; with the article, na healaíona means “the arts”. The genitive plural is ealaíon, as in cur chun cinn na n-ealaíon (the promotion of the arts).
Does ealaín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ealaín can mean art, skill or trick, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ealaín sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ealaín (the art), a healaín (her art), a n-ealaín (their art), na healaíona (the arts).
What is the word for an artist?
An artist is 'ealaíontóir', and the adjective artistic is 'ealaíonta'.
How do I say 'the arts' as a field?
Use the plural 'na healaíona', as in 'an Chomhairle Ealaíon' (the Arts Council).
