HeyRua Get the app

Frightening in Irish (Scanrú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scanrú’ also means: fright

The Irish for frightening is scanrú, a masculine noun. Ag scanrú is frightening, from the verb scanraigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “frightening” in Irish

Irish:
scanrú
English:
frightening, fright
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
scanraigh, to frighten (ag scanrú, frightening)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“SKAN-roo”  /ˈsˠkanˠɾˠuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scanraithe, an scanraithe (e.g. cúis scanraithe, a cause for alarm)

What does “scanrú” mean?

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

frightening
The act of frightening or scaring someone; it is the verbal noun of the verb scanraigh.Also: scaring, startling, alarming.
1 other meaning: fright
2fright
A state of fear or alarm, the experience of being frightened.Also: scare, terror, alarm.

Other Irish words for frightening: scanrúil (frightening)

“Scanrú” as a verbal noun

After ag, scanrú means frightening: it is the verbal noun of the verb scanraigh (to frighten). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
scanrúverbal noun
=
ag scanrúfrightening

“Scanrú” with the article

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

an scanrú
the frightening
No change after an

“Scanrú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scanrú, the Irish word for frightening.

Bhí scanrú orm nuair a chuala mé an torann.
I was frightened when I heard the noise.
Chuir an scanrú sin stop leis an gcaint.
That fright put a stop to the talk.
Ná bí ag scanrú na bpáistí.
Don't be frightening the children.
Tháinig scanrú ar na beithígh leis an toirneach.
The cattle were frightened by the thunder.
Bhí sé ar crith le scanrú.
He was trembling with fright.
Ní raibh aon chúis scanraithe ann.
There was no reason for alarm.
Bhain an scéal scanrú as gach duine.
The story frightened everyone.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Frightening in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for frightening?

The Irish for frightening is scanrú (pronounced “SKAN-roo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean fright.

How do you pronounce scanrú in Irish?

Scanrú is said like “SKAN-roo” (IPA /ˈsˠkanˠɾˠuː/).

Does scanrú have a plural?

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

Does scanrú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scanrú can mean frightening or fright, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How is scanrú different from eagla?

Eagla is the general word for fear, while scanrú suggests a sudden fright or the act of scaring someone, as in 'Bhí scanrú orm'.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like scanrú through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen