HeyRuaHow to say “breath” in Irish
- Irish:
- anáil
- English:
- breath, influence
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “uh-NAWL” /əˈnˠɑːlʲ/
- Plural:
- análacha (breaths)
- Genitive singular:
- anála, na hanála (e.g. giorra anála, shortness of breath)
- Genitive plural:
- análacha, na n-análacha (e.g. líon na n-análacha, the number of breaths)
What does “anáil” mean?
“Anáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- breath
- The air you take into and let out of your lungs, or a single act of breathing.Also: breathing, respiration, inhalation.
1 other meaning: influence
- 2influence
- An effect or influence that one person or thing has on another, as in 'faoi anáil' (under the influence of).Also: inspiration, effect.
“Anáil” with the article
The plural of breath in Irish is análacha. Here is anáil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Anáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using anáil, the Irish word for breath.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Breath in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for breath?
The Irish for breath is anáil (pronounced “uh-NAWL”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is análacha. Depending on context it can also mean influence.
How do you pronounce anáil in Irish?
Anáil is said like “uh-NAWL” (IPA /əˈnˠɑːlʲ/).
What is the plural of breath in Irish?
The plural of anáil is análacha; with the article, na hanálacha means “the breaths”. The genitive plural is análacha, as in líon na n-análacha (the number of breaths).
Does anáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Anáil can mean breath or influence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does anáil sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an anáil (the breath), a hanáil (her breath), a n-anáil (their breath), na hanálacha (the breaths).
How do I say 'out of breath' in Irish?
You can say 'tá saothar orm' or 'níl m'anáil agam', and 'giorra anála' means shortness of breath.
Is there a verb for breathing related to anáil?
Yes, the verb is 'análaigh' (breathe), with the verbal noun 'análú' (breathing).
