HeyRuaHow to say “longing” in Irish
- Irish:
- tnúth
- English:
- longing, envy
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- tnúth, to long for (ag tnúth, longing for)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “tnoo” /t̪ˠn̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- tnútha, an tnútha (e.g. lán tnútha, full of longing)
What does “tnúth” mean?
“Tnúth” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- longing
- A strong desire or eager expectation for something; also the verbal noun of the verb tnúth, to long for or look forward to.Also: yearning, desire, expectation, looking forward.
1 other meaning: envy
“Tnúth” as a verbal noun
After ag, tnúth means longing for: it is the verbal noun of the verb tnúth (to long for). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
An bhfuil tú ag tnúth leis an tsaoire? Are you looking forward to the holiday?
“Tnúth” with the article
Here is tnúth after the article (an t-alt).
“Tnúth” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tnúth, the Irish word for longing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Longing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for longing?
The Irish for longing is tnúth (pronounced “tnoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean envy.
How do you pronounce tnúth in Irish?
Tnúth is said like “tnoo” (IPA /t̪ˠn̪ˠuː/).
Does tnúth have a plural?
No plural form is given for tnúth in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does tnúth have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tnúth can mean longing or envy, depending on context; the first is the most common. Tnúth also has its own entry as a verb meaning to long for.
Why does tnúth change to thnúth or dtnúth?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tnúth becomes mo thnúth (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtnúth (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I'm looking forward to it' in Irish?
Use the verbal noun with le: 'Táim ag tnúth leis.' This is the most common use of tnúth.
Is tnúth the same as éad?
Tnúth usually means longing or eager expectation; the older sense of envy exists, but for jealousy éad is the normal word.
