HeyRuaHow to say “business” in Irish
- Irish:
- gnó
- English:
- business, matter, purpose
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gnoh” /ɡn̪ˠoː/
- Plural:
- gnóthaí
- Genitive singular:
- gnó, an ghnó (e.g. cárta gnó, business card)
- Genitive plural:
- gnóthaí, na ngnóthaí (e.g. Aire na nGnóthaí Eachtracha, Minister for Foreign Affairs)
What does “gnó” mean?
“Gnó” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- business
- Commercial activity, or a company or enterprise that buys, sells or provides services.Also: commerce, enterprise, company, trade.
2 other meanings: matter or purpose
- 2matter
- A matter, affair or piece of business that someone has to deal with.Also: affair, concern, errand, task.
- 3purpose
- The purpose or reason for doing something, as in 'd'aon ghnó', on purpose.Also: intention, reason.
Other Irish words for business: gnólacht (business)
“Gnó” with the article
The plural of business in Irish is gnóthaí. Here is gnó after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gnó” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gnó, the Irish word for business.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Business in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for business?
The Irish for business is gnó (pronounced “gnoh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gnóthaí. Depending on context it can also mean matter or purpose.
How do you pronounce gnó in Irish?
Gnó is said like “gnoh” (IPA /ɡn̪ˠoː/).
What is the plural of business in Irish?
The plural of gnó is gnóthaí; with the article, it is na gnóthaí. The genitive plural is gnóthaí, as in Aire na nGnóthaí Eachtracha (Minister for Foreign Affairs).
Does gnó have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gnó can mean business, matter or purpose, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gnó change to ghnó or ngnó?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gnó becomes mo ghnó (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngnó (eclipsis).
How do I say 'on purpose' in Irish?
Use 'd'aon ghnó', for example 'Rinne sí d'aon ghnó é', she did it on purpose.
How is 'gnóthach' related to 'gnó'?
'Gnóthach' is the adjective meaning busy, formed from 'gnó'; 'Tá mé an-ghnóthach' means I am very busy.
