HeyRuaHow to say “hibernation” in Irish
- Irish:
- geimhriú
- English:
- hibernation, wintering
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- geimhrigh, to hibernate (ag geimhriú, hibernating)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “GEV-roo” /ɟɛvʲɾʲuː/
- Genitive singular:
- geimhrithe, an gheimhrithe (e.g. tréimhse geimhrithe, period of hibernation)
What does “geimhriú” mean?
“Geimhriú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hibernation
- The long winter sleep of certain animals; it is the verbal noun of the verb geimhrigh, to hibernate.Also: hibernating, winter sleep.
1 other meaning: wintering
- 2wintering
- The act of passing the winter somewhere, or of keeping animals or plants through the winter.Also: overwintering.
“Geimhriú” as a verbal noun
After ag, geimhriú means hibernating: it is the verbal noun of the verb geimhrigh (to hibernate). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Geimhriú” with the article
Here is geimhriú after the article (an t-alt).
“Geimhriú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using geimhriú, the Irish word for hibernation.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hibernation in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hibernation?
The Irish for hibernation is geimhriú (pronounced “GEV-roo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wintering.
How do you pronounce geimhriú in Irish?
Geimhriú is said like “GEV-roo” (IPA /ɟɛvʲɾʲuː/).
Does geimhriú have a plural?
No plural form is given for geimhriú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does geimhriú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Geimhriú can mean hibernation or wintering, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does geimhriú change to gheimhriú or ngeimhriú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) geimhriú becomes mo gheimhriú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngeimhriú (eclipsis).
How is geimhriú related to geimhreadh?
Geimhriú comes from geimhreadh, winter, through the verb geimhrigh, so it literally means wintering, as in Téann an béar i ngeimhriú.
