HeyRuaHow to say “instrument” in Irish
- Irish:
- ionstraim
- English:
- instrument, musical instrument, legal instrument
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UN-strim” /ˈʊnˠsˠt̪ˠɾˠəmʲ/
- Plural:
- ionstraimí (instruments)
- Genitive singular:
- ionstraime, na hionstraime (e.g. cás na hionstraime, the instrument's case)
- Genitive plural:
- ionstraimí, na n-ionstraimí (e.g. seinm na n-ionstraimí, the playing of the instruments)
What does “ionstraim” mean?
“Ionstraim” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- instrument
- A tool or device used for a particular task, especially a precise or scientific one.Also: tool, device, implement.
2 other meanings: musical instrument or legal instrument
- 2musical instrument
- An object such as a fiddle or flute used to make music.Also: instrument.
- 3legal instrument
- A formal legal document, such as a statutory instrument or deed.Also: statutory instrument, instrument, deed.
“Ionstraim” with the article
The plural of instrument in Irish is ionstraimí. Here is ionstraim after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ionstraim” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ionstraim, the Irish word for instrument.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Instrument in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for instrument?
The Irish for instrument is ionstraim (pronounced “UN-strim”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ionstraimí. Depending on context it can also mean musical instrument or legal instrument.
How do you pronounce ionstraim in Irish?
Ionstraim is said like “UN-strim” (IPA /ˈʊnˠsˠt̪ˠɾˠəmʲ/).
What is the plural of instrument in Irish?
The plural of ionstraim is ionstraimí; with the article, na hionstraimí means “the instruments”. The genitive plural is ionstraimí, as in seinm na n-ionstraimí (the playing of the instruments).
Does ionstraim have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ionstraim can mean instrument, musical instrument or legal instrument, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ionstraim sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ionstraim (the instrument), a hionstraim (her instrument), a n-ionstraim (their instrument), na hionstraimí (the instruments).
What is the difference between 'ionstraim' and 'uirlis'?
'Uirlis' is the everyday word for a tool or for a musical instrument (uirlis cheoil), while 'ionstraim' is more formal and is used for precise, scientific, musical and legal instruments.
