HeyRuaHow to say “donkey” in Irish
- Irish:
- asal
- English:
- donkey, fool
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “A-sul” /ˈasˠəlˠ/
- Plural:
- asail (donkeys)
- Genitive singular:
- asail, an asail (e.g. cluasa an asail, the donkey's ears)
- Genitive plural:
- asal, na n-asal (e.g. aonach asal, a donkey fair)
What does “asal” mean?
“Asal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- donkey
- A domestic animal like a small horse with long ears, used for carrying loads.Also: ass, jackass.
1 other meaning: fool
- 2fool
- A stupid or foolish person, used as an insult.Also: ass, idiot.
“Asal” with the article
The plural of donkey in Irish is asail. Here is asal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Asal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using asal, the Irish word for donkey.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Donkey in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for donkey?
The Irish for donkey is asal (pronounced “A-sul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is asail. Depending on context it can also mean fool.
How do you pronounce asal in Irish?
Asal is said like “A-sul” (IPA /ˈasˠəlˠ/).
What is the plural of donkey in Irish?
The plural of asal is asail; with the article, na hasail means “the donkeys”. The genitive plural is asal, as in aonach asal (a donkey fair).
Does asal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Asal can mean donkey or fool, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does asal sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-asal (the donkey), a hasal (her donkey), a n-asal (their donkey), na hasail (the donkeys).
Can 'asal' be used as an insult like English 'ass'?
Yes, 'asal' can describe a foolish person, as in 'Is asal thú', 'You're a fool'. It does not have the English sense of backside.
