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Chattels in Irish (Airnéis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘airnéis’ also means: livestock

The Irish for chattels is airnéis, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “chattels” in Irish

Irish:
airnéis
English:
chattels, livestock
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“AR-nyaysh”  /ˈaːɾˠnʲeːʃ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
airnéise, na hairnéise (e.g. luach na hairnéise, the value of the chattels)

What does “airnéis” mean?

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

chattels
Movable property such as goods and possessions, as opposed to land or buildings.Also: movable property, goods, possessions, personal property.
1 other meaning: livestock
2livestock
Farm animals such as cattle kept as property.Also: cattle, stock, farm animals.

“Airnéis” with the article

Here is airnéis after the article (an t-alt).

an airnéis
the chattels
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Airnéis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using airnéis, the Irish word for chattels.

Díoladh an airnéis go léir ag an gceant.
All the chattels were sold at the auction.
Tá airnéis luachmhar sa teach sin.
There are valuable goods in that house.
Rinne siad liosta den airnéis.
They made a list of the movable property.
Ghabh an báille an airnéis ar fad.
The bailiff seized all the goods.
Tá árachas ar luach na hairnéise.
The value of the chattels is insured.
D'fhág sé a chuid airnéise ag a mhac.
He left his possessions to his son.
Bhí an airnéis amuigh ar an sliabh.
The livestock were out on the mountain.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Chattels in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chattels?

The Irish for chattels is airnéis (pronounced “AR-nyaysh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean livestock.

How do you pronounce airnéis in Irish?

Airnéis is said like “AR-nyaysh” (IPA /ˈaːɾˠnʲeːʃ/).

Does airnéis have a plural?

No plural form is given for airnéis in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does airnéis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Airnéis can mean chattels or livestock, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does airnéis sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an airnéis (the chattels), a hairnéis (her chattels), a n-airnéis (their chattels).

How does 'airnéis' differ from 'maoin'?

'Maoin' is wealth or property in general, including land, while 'airnéis' refers specifically to movable goods or chattels.

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