HeyRuaHow to say “happiness” in Irish
- Irish:
- sonas
- English:
- happiness, good luck
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SUN-us” /ˈsˠʊnˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- sonais, an tsonais (e.g. rún an tsonais, the secret of happiness)
What does “sonas” mean?
“Sonas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- happiness
- A state of being happy and content.Also: contentment, joy, bliss.
1 other meaning: good luck
- 2good luck
- Good fortune or prosperity that comes to someone.Also: good fortune, luck, prosperity.
“Sonas” with the article
Here is sonas after the article (an t-alt).
“Sonas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sonas, the Irish word for happiness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Happiness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for happiness?
The Irish for happiness is sonas (pronounced “SUN-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean good luck.
How do you pronounce sonas in Irish?
Sonas is said like “SUN-us” (IPA /ˈsˠʊnˠəsˠ/).
Does sonas have a plural?
No plural form is given for sonas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does sonas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sonas can mean happiness or good luck, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sonas change to shonas?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shonas. After ár (our) it stays ár sonas, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between sonas and áthas?
Sonas is lasting happiness or good fortune, while áthas is joy or gladness at a particular moment, as in 'tá áthas orm' (I'm glad).
What is the opposite of sonas?
The opposite is donas, meaning misfortune or bad luck, and the pair often appear together: 'sonas nó donas'.
