HeyRuaHow to say “attack” in Irish
- Irish:
- ionsaí
- English:
- attack, attempt, approach
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- ionsaigh, to attack (ag ionsaí, attacking)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UN-see” /ˈʊnˠsˠiː/
- Plural:
- ionsaithe (attacks)
- Genitive singular:
- ionsaithe, an ionsaithe (e.g. am an ionsaithe, the time of the attack)
- Genitive plural:
- ionsaithe, na n-ionsaithe (e.g. i ndiaidh na n-ionsaithe, after the attacks)
What does “ionsaí” mean?
“Ionsaí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- attack
- A violent or hostile act against a person, place or country; also the verbal noun of ionsaigh, the act of attacking.Also: assault, onslaught, attacking, raid.
“Ionsaí” as a verbal noun
After ag, ionsaí means attacking: it is the verbal noun of the verb ionsaigh (to attack). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Ionsaí” with the article
The plural of attack in Irish is ionsaithe. Here is ionsaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ionsaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ionsaí, the Irish word for attack.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Attack in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for attack?
The Irish for attack is ionsaí (pronounced “UN-see”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ionsaithe. Depending on context it can also mean attempt or approach.
How do you pronounce ionsaí in Irish?
Ionsaí is said like “UN-see” (IPA /ˈʊnˠsˠiː/).
What is the plural of attack in Irish?
The plural of ionsaí is ionsaithe; with the article, na hionsaithe means “the attacks”. The genitive plural is ionsaithe, as in i ndiaidh na n-ionsaithe (after the attacks).
Does ionsaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ionsaí can mean attack, attempt or approach, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ionsaí sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ionsaí (the attack), a hionsaí (her attack), a n-ionsaí (their attack), na hionsaithe (the attacks).
How do I say someone attacked someone else?
Use ionsaí a dhéanamh ar: rinne sé ionsaí orm, 'he attacked me', or the verb directly: d'ionsaigh sé mé.
Is ionsaí the same as ionradh?
No: ionsaí is an attack in general, while ionradh is an invasion of a country.
