HeyRuaHow to say “fair” in Irish
- Irish:
- aonach
- English:
- fair, assembly, commotion
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AY-nukh” /ˈeːnˠəx/
- Plural:
- aontaí (fairs)
- Genitive singular:
- aonaigh, an aonaigh (e.g. lá an aonaigh, the day of the fair)
- Genitive plural:
- aontaí, na n-aontaí (e.g. stair na n-aontaí, the history of the fairs)
What does “aonach” mean?
“Aonach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fair
- A regular gathering in a town where livestock and goods are bought and sold.Also: cattle fair, market fair, livestock fair.
2 other meanings: assembly or commotion
- 2assembly
- A historical public gathering or festive assembly, especially in early Ireland.Also: gathering, festival.
- 3commotion
- A noisy crowd or scene of uproar, used figuratively.Also: uproar, bustle.
Other Irish words for fair: fionn (fair), cuibheasach (middling), féaráilte (fair)
“Aonach” with the article
The plural of fair in Irish is aontaí. Here is aonach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Aonach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using aonach, the Irish word for fair.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fair in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fair?
The Irish for fair is aonach (pronounced “AY-nukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is aontaí. Depending on context it can also mean assembly or commotion.
How do you pronounce aonach in Irish?
Aonach is said like “AY-nukh” (IPA /ˈeːnˠəx/).
What is the plural of fair in Irish?
The plural of aonach is aontaí; with the article, na haontaí means “the fairs”. The genitive plural is aontaí, as in stair na n-aontaí (the history of the fairs).
Does aonach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Aonach can mean fair, assembly or commotion, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does aonach sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aonach (the fair), a haonach (her fair), a n-aonach (their fair), na haontaí (the fairs).
What is the difference between 'aonach' and 'margadh'?
An 'aonach' is a fair, traditionally for livestock, held on set days, while 'margadh' is a market in general, including the economic sense.
What does 'aonach a dhéanamh de rud' mean?
Figuratively, 'aonach' can mean a commotion, so a noisy scene might be called 'aonach ceart', a real uproar.
