HeyRuaHow to say “genuflection” in Irish
- Irish:
- umhlú
- English:
- genuflection, submission
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OO-loo” /ˈuːl̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- umhlaithe, an umhlaithe (e.g. le linn an umhlaithe, during the genuflection)
What does “umhlú” mean?
“Umhlú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- genuflection
- The act of bowing or bending the knee in respect; it is the verbal noun of the verb umhlaigh.Also: bow, curtsey, obeisance, bowing.
1 other meaning: submission
- 2submission
- The act of humbling yourself or submitting to someone.Also: humbling, obedience.
“Umhlú” with the article
Here is umhlú after the article (an t-alt).
“Umhlú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using umhlú, the Irish word for genuflection.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Genuflection in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for genuflection?
The Irish for genuflection is umhlú (pronounced “OO-loo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean submission.
How do you pronounce umhlú in Irish?
Umhlú is said like “OO-loo” (IPA /ˈuːl̪ˠuː/).
Does umhlú have a plural?
No plural form is given for umhlú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does umhlú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Umhlú can mean genuflection or submission, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does umhlú sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-umhlú (the genuflection), a humhlú (her genuflection), a n-umhlú (their genuflection).
What is the verb related to umhlú?
The verb is umhlaigh, 'bow, genuflect, submit', as in 'Umhlaigh sé don rí', 'He bowed to the king'.
Is umhlú related to umhal?
Yes, umhlú comes from umhal 'humble, obedient', so it carries the idea of humbling oneself.
