HeyRuaHow to say “complexion” in Irish
- Irish:
- snua
- English:
- complexion, appearance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “snoo-uh” /sn̪ˠuə/
- Plural:
- snuanna (complexions)
- Genitive singular:
- snua, an tsnua (e.g. áilleacht an tsnua, the beauty of the complexion)
- Genitive plural:
- snuanna, na snuanna (e.g. éagsúlacht na snuanna, the variety of complexions)
What does “snua” mean?
“Snua” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- complexion
- The natural colour and appearance of a person's skin, especially of the face.Also: colour, hue, skin colour.
1 other meaning: appearance
- 2appearance
- The look or outward appearance of someone or something, especially as a sign of health or condition.Also: look, aspect, bloom.
“Snua” with the article
The plural of complexion in Irish is snuanna. Here is snua after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Snua” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using snua, the Irish word for complexion.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Complexion in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for complexion?
The Irish for complexion is snua (pronounced “snoo-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is snuanna. Depending on context it can also mean appearance.
How do you pronounce snua in Irish?
Snua is said like “snoo-uh” (IPA /sn̪ˠuə/).
What is the plural of complexion in Irish?
The plural of snua is snuanna; with the article, na snuanna means “the complexions”. The genitive plural is snuanna, as in éagsúlacht na snuanna (the variety of complexions).
Does snua have more than one meaning?
Yes. Snua can mean complexion or appearance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does snua change to shnua?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shnua. After ár (our) it stays ár snua, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say someone looks healthy using snua?
Say 'Tá snua na sláinte air' (he looks the picture of health); snua is used with the preposition 'ar'.
What is the difference between snua and dath?
'Dath' is colour in general, while 'snua' refers especially to the colour or complexion of a person's face.
