HeyRuaHow to say “hedgehog” in Irish
- Irish:
- gráinneog
- English:
- hedgehog, prickly person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GRAWN-yohg” /ˈɡɾˠaːnʲoːɡ/
- Plural:
- gráinneoga (hedgehogs)
- Genitive singular:
- gráinneoige, na gráinneoige (e.g. spíonta na gráinneoige, the hedgehog's spines)
- Genitive plural:
- gráinneog, na ngráinneog (e.g. ag cosaint gráinneog, protecting hedgehogs)
What does “gráinneog” mean?
“Gráinneog” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hedgehog
- A small wild animal whose back is covered in sharp spines and which rolls into a ball when frightened.Also: urchin, hedgepig.
1 other meaning: prickly person
- 2prickly person
- A bristly, short-tempered person who is easily annoyed.Also: short-tempered person, crosspatch.
“Gráinneog” with the article
The plural of hedgehog in Irish is gráinneoga. Here is gráinneog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gráinneog” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gráinneog, the Irish word for hedgehog.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hedgehog in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hedgehog?
The Irish for hedgehog is gráinneog (pronounced “GRAWN-yohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gráinneoga. Depending on context it can also mean prickly person.
How do you pronounce gráinneog in Irish?
Gráinneog is said like “GRAWN-yohg” (IPA /ˈɡɾˠaːnʲoːɡ/).
What is the plural of hedgehog in Irish?
The plural of gráinneog is gráinneoga; with the article, na gráinneoga means “the hedgehogs”. The genitive plural is gráinneog, as in ag cosaint gráinneog (protecting hedgehogs).
Does gráinneog have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gráinneog can mean hedgehog or prickly person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gráinneog change to ghráinneog or ngráinneog?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gráinneog becomes mo ghráinneog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngráinneog (eclipsis).
How do I say sea urchin in Irish?
Use 'gráinneog thrá' or 'cuán mara'; plain 'gráinneog' on its own means the land hedgehog.
