HeyRuaHow to say “loneliness” in Irish
- Irish:
- uaigneas
- English:
- loneliness, solitude, eeriness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OO-ig-nyuss” /ˈuəɟnʲəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- uaignis, an uaignis (e.g. pian an uaignis, the pain of loneliness)
What does “uaigneas” mean?
“Uaigneas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- loneliness
- The feeling of being alone and sad because you lack company.Also: lonesomeness, homesickness, sadness.
2 other meanings: solitude or eeriness
- 2solitude
- The quality of a place being lonely, remote or deserted.Also: remoteness, desolation, isolation.
- 3eeriness
- A strange, uncanny feeling, as of something ghostly or unnatural.Also: uncanniness, creepiness.
Other Irish words for loneliness: cumha (loneliness)
“Uaigneas” with the article
Here is uaigneas after the article (an t-alt).
“Uaigneas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uaigneas, the Irish word for loneliness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Loneliness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for loneliness?
The Irish for loneliness is uaigneas (pronounced “OO-ig-nyuss”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean solitude or eeriness.
How do you pronounce uaigneas in Irish?
Uaigneas is said like “OO-ig-nyuss” (IPA /ˈuəɟnʲəsˠ/).
Does uaigneas have a plural?
No plural form is given for uaigneas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does uaigneas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uaigneas can mean loneliness, solitude or eeriness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uaigneas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-uaigneas (the loneliness), a huaigneas (her loneliness), a n-uaigneas (their loneliness).
How do I say 'I am lonely' in Irish?
Say 'Tá uaigneas orm', literally 'loneliness is on me'; the adjective form is 'uaigneach'.
What is the difference between 'uaigneas' and 'cumha'?
'Uaigneas' is loneliness in general, while 'cumha' is longing or homesickness for someone or somewhere absent.
