HeyRuaHow to say “custom” in Irish
- Irish:
- gnás
- English:
- custom, company, haunt
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gnaws” /ɡn̪ˠɑːsˠ/
- Plural:
- gnásanna (customs)
- Genitive singular:
- gnáis, an ghnáis (e.g. de réir an ghnáis, according to custom)
- Genitive plural:
- gnásanna, na ngnásanna (e.g. stair na ngnásanna, the history of the customs)
What does “gnás” mean?
“Gnás” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- custom
- A usual or established way of doing something, a practice or convention.Also: usage, convention, practice, habit.
2 other meanings: company or haunt
- 2company
- Association or companionship with someone, frequenting their company.Also: association, companionship, intercourse.
- 3haunt
- A place someone or something often frequents, such as an animal's den or lair.Also: resort, lair, den.
Other Irish words for custom: nós (custom), gnáth (custom), traidisiún (tradition), cleachtas (practice)
“Gnás” with the article
The plural of custom in Irish is gnásanna. Here is gnás after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gnás” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gnás, the Irish word for custom.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Custom in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for custom?
The Irish for custom is gnás (pronounced “gnaws”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gnásanna. Depending on context it can also mean company or haunt.
How do you pronounce gnás in Irish?
Gnás is said like “gnaws” (IPA /ɡn̪ˠɑːsˠ/).
What is the plural of custom in Irish?
The plural of gnás is gnásanna; with the article, na gnásanna means “the customs”. The genitive plural is gnásanna, as in stair na ngnásanna (the history of the customs).
Does gnás have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gnás can mean custom, company or haunt, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gnás change to ghnás or ngnás?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gnás becomes mo ghnás (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngnás (eclipsis).
What is the difference between gnás and nós?
Both mean custom, but nós is the everyday word for a habit or custom, while gnás is more formal and often refers to established convention or procedure, as in gnás na parlaiminte.
