HeyRuaHow to say “August” in Irish
- Irish:
- Lúnasa
- English:
- August, Lammas
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “LOO-nuh-suh” /ˈl̪ˠuːn̪ˠəsˠə/
- Plural:
- Lúnasaí (Augusts)
- Genitive singular:
- Lúnasa, an Lúnasa (e.g. tús mhí Lúnasa, the beginning of August)
- Genitive plural:
- Lúnasaí, na Lúnasaí (e.g. cuimhní na Lúnasaí, memories of past Augusts)
What does “Lúnasa” mean?
“Lúnasa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- August
- The eighth month of the year, usually used in the phrase 'mí Lúnasa'.Also: month of August.
1 other meaning: Lammas
- 2Lammas
- The old Irish harvest festival held at the start of August, Lá Lúnasa.Also: Lughnasa, harvest festival, Lammas Day.
“Lúnasa” with the article
The plural of August in Irish is Lúnasaí. Here is Lúnasa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Lúnasa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Lúnasa, the Irish word for August.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “Lúnasa”
August in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for August?
The Irish for August is Lúnasa (pronounced “LOO-nuh-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is Lúnasaí. Depending on context it can also mean Lammas.
How do you pronounce Lúnasa in Irish?
Lúnasa is said like “LOO-nuh-suh” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠuːn̪ˠəsˠə/).
What is the plural of August in Irish?
The plural of Lúnasa is Lúnasaí; with the article, na Lúnasaí means “the Augusts”. The genitive plural is Lúnasaí, as in cuimhní na Lúnasaí (memories of past Augusts).
Does Lúnasa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Lúnasa can mean August or Lammas, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why is it 'mí Lúnasa' and not 'mí an Lúnasa'?
Month names are proper nouns in the genitive after 'mí', so you say 'mí Lúnasa' without the article, like 'mí Iúil'.
Where does the name Lúnasa come from?
It comes from the festival of the god Lugh, 'Lughnasadh', celebrated at the start of the harvest on Lá Lúnasa.
