HeyRuaHow to say “grain” in Irish
- Irish:
- gráinne
- English:
- grain, small quantity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GRAWN-yuh” /ˈɡɾˠɑːn̠ʲə/
- Plural:
- gráinní (grains)
- Genitive singular:
- gráinne, an ghráinne (e.g. méid an ghráinne, the size of the grain)
- Genitive plural:
- gráinní, na ngráinní (e.g. mála na ngráinní, the bag of grains)
What does “gráinne” mean?
“Gráinne” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- grain
- A single small seed or hard particle, such as a grain of corn, sand or salt.Also: particle, granule, seed.
“Gráinne” with the article
The plural of grain in Irish is gráinní. Here is gráinne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gráinne” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gráinne, the Irish word for grain.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Grain in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for grain?
The Irish for grain is gráinne (pronounced “GRAWN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gráinní. Depending on context it can also mean small quantity.
How do you pronounce gráinne in Irish?
Gráinne is said like “GRAWN-yuh” (IPA /ˈɡɾˠɑːn̠ʲə/).
What is the plural of grain in Irish?
The plural of gráinne is gráinní; with the article, na gráinní means “the grains”. The genitive plural is gráinní, as in mála na ngráinní (the bag of grains).
Does gráinne have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gráinne can mean grain or small quantity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gráinne change to ghráinne or ngráinne?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gráinne becomes mo ghráinne (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngráinne (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'gráinne' and 'grán'?
'Grán' is grain as a mass, corn or cereal, while 'gráinne' is a single grain or a small pinch of something, as in 'gráinne salainn'.
