Award in Irish (Gradam): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for award?

The Irish for award is gradam (pronounced “GRAD-um”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gradaim. Depending on context it can also mean esteem.

Q: What is the plural of award in Irish?

The plural of gradam is gradaim; with the article, na gradaim means “the awards”. The genitive plural is gradam, as in oíche na ngradam (the awards night).

Q: Does gradam have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gradam can mean award or esteem, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “award” in Irish

Irish:: gradam
English:: award, esteem
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GRAD-um” /ˈɡɾˠadˠəmˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: gradaim (awards)
Genitive singular:: gradaim, an ghradaim (e.g. buaiteoir an ghradaim, winner of the award)
Genitive plural:: gradam, na ngradam (e.g. oíche na ngradam, the awards night)

What does “gradam” mean?

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

award: A prize or honour given to someone in recognition of an achievement.Also: accolade, honour, prize.

1 other meaning: esteem

2esteem: High regard or respect in which a person or thing is held.Also: respect, prestige, distinction.

Other Irish words for award: bronn (present), duais (prize)

“Gradam” with the article

The plural of award in Irish is gradaim. Here is gradam after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gradam

the award

No change after an

na gradaim

the awards

Plural: no change after na

“Gradam” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gradam, the Irish word for award.

Bhuaigh sí gradam mór anuraidh.

She won a big award last year.

Bronnadh an gradam ar an scríbhneoir óg.

The award was presented to the young writer.

Cé a bhuaigh na gradaim aréir?

Who won the awards last night?

Bhí searmanas an ghradaim ar siúl i mBaile Átha Cliath.

The award ceremony took place in Dublin.

Tá mo ghradam ar an matal sa seomra suí.

My award is on the mantelpiece in the sitting room.

Bhí gradam ar leith aige i measc na ndaoine.

He was held in special esteem among the people.

Ainmníodh an scannán do roinnt gradam.

The film was nominated for several awards.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

laghadsmallness deartháirbrother gníomhaíochtactivity fonndesire scríobhwriting scríobhwriting

Award in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for award?

The Irish for award is gradam (pronounced “GRAD-um”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gradaim. Depending on context it can also mean esteem.

How do you pronounce gradam in Irish?

Gradam is said like “GRAD-um” (IPA /ˈɡɾˠadˠəmˠ/).

What is the plural of award in Irish?

The plural of gradam is gradaim; with the article, na gradaim means “the awards”. The genitive plural is gradam, as in oíche na ngradam (the awards night).

Does gradam have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gradam can mean award or esteem, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gradam change to ghradam or ngradam?

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

What is the difference between 'gradam' and 'duais'?

'Duais' is any prize, such as in a raffle or competition, while 'gradam' is an award or honour recognising merit, such as 'Gradam Ceoil'.

Award in Irish (Gradam): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage