HeyRuaHow to say “definition” in Irish
- Irish:
- sainiú
- English:
- definition
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- sainigh, to define (ag sainiú, defining)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SAN-yoo” /ˈsˠanʲuː/
- Plural:
- sainithe (definitions)
- Genitive singular:
- sainithe, an tsainithe (e.g. próiseas an tsainithe, the process of definition)
- Genitive plural:
- sainithe, na sainithe (e.g. bailiúchán na sainithe, the collection of definitions)
What does “sainiú” mean?
- definition
- The act of stating exactly what something means or what its limits are; verbal noun of the verb 'sainigh' (define).Also: defining, specification, specifying.
“Sainiú” as a verbal noun
After ag, sainiú means defining: it is the verbal noun of the verb sainigh (to define). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Sainiú” with the article
The plural of definition in Irish is sainithe. Here is sainiú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sainiú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sainiú, the Irish word for definition.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Definition in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for definition?
The Irish for definition is sainiú (pronounced “SAN-yoo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sainithe.
How do you pronounce sainiú in Irish?
Sainiú is said like “SAN-yoo” (IPA /ˈsˠanʲuː/).
What is the plural of definition in Irish?
The plural of sainiú is sainithe; with the article, na sainithe means “the definitions”. The genitive plural is sainithe, as in bailiúchán na sainithe (the collection of definitions).
Why does sainiú change to shainiú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shainiú. After ár (our) it stays ár sainiú, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'sainiú' and 'sainmhíniú'?
Both can translate 'definition'; 'sainmhíniú' is the usual word for a dictionary or formal definition, while 'sainiú' stresses the act of defining or specifying.
