Aspect in Irish (Gné): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for aspect?

The Irish for aspect is gné (pronounced “g-NYAY”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gnéithe. Depending on context it can also mean kind or appearance.

Q: What is the plural of aspect in Irish?

The plural of gné is gnéithe; with the article, na gnéithe means “the aspects”. The genitive plural is gnéithe, as in plé na ngnéithe (the discussion of the aspects).

Q: Does gné have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gné can mean aspect, kind or appearance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “aspect” in Irish

Irish:: gné
English:: aspect, kind, appearance
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “g-NYAY” /ɟnʲeː/

Various forms

Plural:: gnéithe (aspects)
Genitive singular:: gné, na gné (e.g. tábhacht na gné seo, the importance of this aspect)
Genitive plural:: gnéithe, na ngnéithe (e.g. plé na ngnéithe, the discussion of the aspects)

What does “gné” mean?

“Gné” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

aspect: One part or side of something, such as a problem, a situation or a subject.Also: feature, element, dimension, facet.

2 other meanings: kind or appearance

2kind: A sort, type or species of something.Also: sort, species, type.
3appearance: The look, form or complexion of a person or thing.Also: form, look, complexion, countenance.

“Gné” with the article

The plural of aspect in Irish is gnéithe. Here is gné after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ghné

the aspect

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na gnéithe

the aspects

Plural: no change after na

“Gné” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gné, the Irish word for aspect.

Is gné thábhachtach den scéal í sin.

That is an important aspect of the story.

Phléamar gach gné den fhadhb.

We discussed every aspect of the problem.

Tá gnéithe nua ar an bhfón seo.

This phone has new features.

Ní thuigim an ghné sin den dlí.

I don't understand that aspect of the law.

Is é an ceol an ghné is fearr liom.

The music is the part I like best.

Bhí gné bhreoite ar a aghaidh.

His face had a sickly look.

Scríobh sí alt faoi ghnéithe éagsúla den chultúr.

She wrote an article about various aspects of the culture.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

oileánisland taighderesearch dorasdoor aonarone person teilifístelevision uiscewater

Aspect in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for aspect?

The Irish for aspect is gné (pronounced “g-NYAY”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gnéithe. Depending on context it can also mean kind or appearance.

How do you pronounce gné in Irish?

Gné is said like “g-NYAY” (IPA /ɟnʲeː/).

What is the plural of aspect in Irish?

The plural of gné is gnéithe; with the article, na gnéithe means “the aspects”. The genitive plural is gnéithe, as in plé na ngnéithe (the discussion of the aspects).

Does gné have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gné can mean aspect, kind or appearance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gné change to ghné or ngné?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gné becomes mo ghné (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngné (eclipsis).

How do I say 'an aspect of something' in Irish?

Use gné followed by de: gné den scéal, 'an aspect of the story'. The preposition de is normal here rather than the genitive.

What is the difference between gné and cineál?

Cineál is the everyday word for 'kind' or 'type', while gné is mostly used today for 'aspect' or 'feature', as in gnéithe den saol, 'aspects of life'.

Aspect in Irish (Gné): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage