HeyRuaHow to say “island” in Irish
- Irish:
- oileán
- English:
- island, isolated place
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “il-AWN” /ɪˈlʲɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- oileáin (islands)
- Genitive singular:
- oileáin, an oileáin (e.g. muintir an oileáin, the people of the island)
- Genitive plural:
- oileán, na n-oileán (e.g. pobal na n-oileán, the community of the islands)
What does “oileán” mean?
“Oileán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- island
- A piece of land completely surrounded by water.Also: isle, islet.
1 other meaning: isolated place
- 2isolated place
- A place cut off or set apart from its surroundings, like an island.Also: island, enclave.
Other Irish words for island: inis (island)
“Oileán” with the article
The plural of island in Irish is oileáin. Here is oileán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Oileán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using oileán, the Irish word for island.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Island in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for island?
The Irish for island is oileán (pronounced “il-AWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is oileáin. Depending on context it can also mean isolated place.
How do you pronounce oileán in Irish?
Oileán is said like “il-AWN” (IPA /ɪˈlʲɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of island in Irish?
The plural of oileán is oileáin; with the article, na hoileáin means “the islands”. The genitive plural is oileán, as in pobal na n-oileán (the community of the islands).
Does oileán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Oileán can mean island or isolated place, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does oileán sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-oileán (the island), a hoileán (her island), a n-oileán (their island), na hoileáin (the islands).
What is the difference between 'oileán' and 'inis'?
'Oileán' is the everyday word for island; 'inis' is older and survives mainly in place names such as Inis Mór and Inis Oírr.
How do you say 'on the island' in Irish?
Use 'ar an oileán', not 'san oileán': 'Tá cónaí orm ar an oileán.'
