HeyRuaHow to say “gene” in Irish
- Irish:
- géin
- English:
- gene
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gayn” /ɟeːnʲ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- géine, na géine (e.g. struchtúr na géine, the structure of the gene)
What does “géin” mean?
- gene
- A unit of heredity in a living cell that passes characteristics from parents to offspring.Also: genetic unit, hereditary unit.
“Géin” with the article
Here is géin after the article (an t-alt).
an ghéin
the gene
Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)
“Géin” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using géin, the Irish word for gene.
Is aonad oidhreachta í an ghéin.
The gene is a unit of heredity.
Fuair na heolaithe géin nua i mbliana.
The scientists found a new gene this year.
Tá an tréith sin sa ghéin.
That trait is in the gene.
Rinne siad staidéar ar fheidhm na géine.
They studied the function of the gene.
Is féidir le géin athrú le himeacht ama.
A gene can change over time.
Bhí locht i ngéin amháin aige.
He had a fault in one gene.
Foghlaimímid faoin ngéin sa rang bitheolaíochta.
We learn about the gene in biology class.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Gene in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for gene?
The Irish for gene is géin (pronounced “gayn”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce géin in Irish?
Géin is said like “gayn” (IPA /ɟeːnʲ/).
Does géin have a plural?
No plural form is given for géin in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does géin change to ghéin or ngéin?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) géin becomes mo ghéin (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngéin (eclipsis).
What is the Irish word for genetics?
Genetics is 'géineolaíocht', built on 'géin' (gene).
