HeyRuaHow to say “cloud” in Irish
- Irish:
- néal
- English:
- cloud, nap, swoon, gloom
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nyayl” /nʲeːlˠ/
- Plural:
- néalta (clouds)
- Genitive singular:
- néil, an néil (e.g. scáth an néil, the shadow of the cloud)
- Genitive plural:
- néalta, na néalta (e.g. cruth na néalta, the shape of the clouds)
What does “néal” mean?
“Néal” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cloud
- A mass of water vapour floating in the sky.Also: rain cloud, storm cloud.
3 other meanings: nap or swoon or gloom
- 2nap
- A short sleep or doze, often in the phrase 'néal codlata'.Also: snooze, doze, wink of sleep.
- 3swoon
- A faint or daze, a state of being stunned or not fully conscious.Also: faint, daze, trance.
- 4gloom
- A gloomy or depressed mood or expression, a cloud over someone's spirits.Also: depression, gloomy look, fit.
Other Irish words for cloud: scamall (cloud)
“Néal” with the article
The plural of cloud in Irish is néalta. Here is néal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Néal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using néal, the Irish word for cloud.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cloud in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cloud?
The Irish for cloud is néal (pronounced “nyayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is néalta. Depending on context it can also mean nap or swoon or gloom.
How do you pronounce néal in Irish?
Néal is said like “nyayl” (IPA /nʲeːlˠ/).
What is the plural of cloud in Irish?
The plural of néal is néalta; with the article, na néalta means “the clouds”. The genitive plural is néalta, as in cruth na néalta (the shape of the clouds).
Does néal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Néal can mean cloud, nap, swoon or gloom, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'néal' and 'scamall'?
Both mean cloud; 'scamall' is the usual everyday word for a cloud in the sky, while 'néal' is also common and has extra senses like a nap ('néal codlata') or a daze.
How do I say 'I dozed off' using 'néal'?
Say 'Thit néal (codlata) orm', literally 'a nap fell on me'.
