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Harm in Irish (Aimhleas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘aimhleas’ also means: mischief

The Irish for harm is aimhleas, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “harm” in Irish

Irish:
aimhleas
English:
harm, mischief
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:
“AV-lass”  /ˈavʲlʲəsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
aimhleasa, an aimhleasa (e.g. lucht aimhleasa, people who do harm)

What does “aimhleas” mean?

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

harm
Something that works against a person's good or interest; detriment or disadvantage.Also: detriment, disadvantage, hurt, injury.
1 other meaning: mischief
2mischief
Bad or foolish behaviour that leads to trouble, as in being led astray.Also: evil, folly, wrongdoing.

Other Irish words for harm: dochar (harm), díobháil (harm), urchóid (harm), cearr (wrong)

“Aimhleas” with the article

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

an t-aimhleas
the harm
Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Aimhleas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aimhleas, the Irish word for harm.

Ní dhéanfadh sé aimhleas do dhuine ar bith.
He wouldn't do anyone harm.
Tá tú ag déanamh d'aimhleasa féin.
You are doing yourself harm.
Rinne an t-ól a aimhleas.
Drink was his ruin.
Is chun d'aimhleasa an obair sin.
That work is to your detriment.
Chuir na droch-chairde in aimhleas é.
His bad friends led him astray.
Ní dhéanfaidh an cluiche sin aon aimhleas duit.
That game won't do you any harm.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Harm in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for harm?

The Irish for harm is aimhleas (pronounced “AV-lass”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mischief.

How do you pronounce aimhleas in Irish?

Aimhleas is said like “AV-lass” (IPA /ˈavʲlʲəsˠ/).

Does aimhleas have a plural?

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

Does aimhleas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aimhleas can mean harm or mischief, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does aimhleas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aimhleas (the harm), a haimhleas (her harm), a n-aimhleas (their harm).

How is 'aimhleas' related to 'leas'?

'Aimhleas' is the opposite of 'leas' (benefit, welfare): 'ar mo leas' means for my good, 'chun m'aimhleasa' means to my harm.

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