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Drawing in Irish (Líniú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘líniú’ also means: lining

The Irish for drawing is líniú, a masculine noun. Ag líniú is drawing, from the verb línigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “drawing” in Irish

Irish:
líniú
English:
drawing, lining
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
línigh, to draw (ag líniú, drawing)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LEEN-yoo”  /ˈl̠ʲiːnʲuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
línithe, an línithe (e.g. rang línithe, drawing class)

What does “líniú” mean?

“Líniú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

drawing
The act of drawing lines or pictures; it is the verbal noun of the verb línigh, to draw or line.Also: delineation, sketching, outlining.
1 other meaning: lining
2lining
The act of putting a lining into something such as a garment or box, also from línigh.Also: putting a lining in.

Other Irish words for drawing: líníocht (drawing), sceitse (sketch)

“Líniú” as a verbal noun

After ag, líniú means drawing: it is the verbal noun of the verb línigh (to draw). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
líniúverbal noun
=
ag líniúdrawing

“Líniú” with the article

Here is líniú after the article (an t-alt).

an líniú
the drawing
No change after an

“Líniú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using líniú, the Irish word for drawing.

Is maith léi líniú agus péinteáil.
She likes drawing and painting.
Tá an líniú seo go hálainn.
This drawing is lovely.
Bhí sé ag líniú ar an bpáipéar.
He was drawing on the paper.
Cheannaigh mé peann luaidhe línithe nua.
I bought a new drawing pencil.
Tá sí go maith ag líniú.
She is good at drawing.
Thosaigh an múinteoir ar cheacht línithe.
The teacher started a drawing lesson.
Ní raibh suim agam riamh sa líniú.
I was never interested in drawing.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Drawing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for drawing?

The Irish for drawing is líniú (pronounced “LEEN-yoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean lining.

How do you pronounce líniú in Irish?

Líniú is said like “LEEN-yoo” (IPA /ˈl̠ʲiːnʲuː/).

Does líniú have a plural?

No plural form is given for líniú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does líniú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Líniú can mean drawing or lining, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between líniú and líníocht?

Líniú is the act of drawing or lining (verbal noun of línigh), while líníocht usually means drawing as an art or a finished drawing.

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