HeyRuaHow to say “little bird” in Irish
- Irish:
- éinín
- English:
- little bird, darling
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AY-neen” /eːnʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- éiníní (little birds)
- Genitive singular:
- éinín, an éinín (e.g. nead an éinín, the little bird's nest)
- Genitive plural:
- éiníní, na n-éiníní (e.g. ceol na n-éiníní, the song of the little birds)
What does “éinín” mean?
“Éinín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- little bird
- A small bird, or a young bird; the diminutive of 'éan'.Also: birdie, small bird, fledgling, nestling.
1 other meaning: darling
- 2darling
- A term of endearment for a child or loved one, like 'my little bird'.Also: pet, little one.
“Éinín” with the article
The plural of little bird in Irish is éiníní. Here is éinín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Éinín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using éinín, the Irish word for little bird.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Little bird in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for little bird?
The Irish for little bird is éinín (pronounced “AY-neen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is éiníní. Depending on context it can also mean darling.
How do you pronounce éinín in Irish?
Éinín is said like “AY-neen” (IPA /eːnʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of little bird in Irish?
The plural of éinín is éiníní; with the article, na héiníní means “the little birds”. The genitive plural is éiníní, as in ceol na n-éiníní (the song of the little birds).
Does éinín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Éinín can mean little bird or darling, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does éinín sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-éinín (the little bird), a héinín (her little bird), a n-éinín (their little bird), na héiníní (the little birds).
What is the difference between 'éan' and 'éinín'?
'Éan' is the ordinary word for a bird, while 'éinín' is its diminutive, meaning a little or baby bird, and is often used affectionately.
Can 'éinín' be used for a person?
Yes, 'a éinín' is used as an affectionate address to a child, much like 'my little pet' in English.
