HeyRuaHow to say “begetting” in Irish
- Irish:
- gin
- English:
- begetting, fetus, offspring
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “gin” /ɟɪnʲ/
- Plural:
- ginte
- Genitive singular:
- gine, na gine (e.g. forbairt na gine, development of the fetus)
- Genitive plural:
- ginte, na nginte (e.g. forbairt na nginte, the development of the embryos)
What does “gin” mean?
“Gin” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- begetting
- The act of conceiving or producing offspring; also the verbal noun of the verb 'gin' (beget, generate).Also: conception, generation, birth.
2 other meanings: fetus or offspring
- 2fetus
- An unborn baby developing in the womb.Also: foetus, embryo, unborn child.
- 3offspring
- A child or person, especially as someone's offspring; used in phrases like 'gin ar bith' meaning anyone.Also: child, person, progeny.
“Gin” with the article
The plural of begetting in Irish is ginte. Here is gin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gin” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gin, the Irish word for begetting.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Begetting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for begetting?
The Irish for begetting is gin (pronounced “gin”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ginte. Depending on context it can also mean fetus or offspring.
How do you pronounce gin in Irish?
Gin is said like “gin” (IPA /ɟɪnʲ/).
What is the plural of begetting in Irish?
The plural of gin is ginte; with the article, it is na ginte. The genitive plural is ginte, as in forbairt na nginte (the development of the embryos).
Does gin have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gin can mean begetting, fetus or offspring, depending on context; the first is the most common. Gin also has its own entry as a verb meaning to beget.
Why does gin change to ghin or ngin?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gin becomes mo ghin (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngin (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'gin' and 'giniúint'?
'Gin' can mean a fetus or offspring as well as begetting, while 'giniúint' is the usual word for the process of conception or generation.
How is 'gin' used to mean 'anyone'?
In negative sentences 'gin ar bith' or 'gin beo' means 'anyone at all', as in 'Ní raibh gin ar bith ann', 'There was nobody there'.
