Lover in Irish (Leannán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for lover?

The Irish for lover is leannán (pronounced “LAN-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leannáin. Depending on context it can also mean persistent ailment.

Q: What is the plural of lover in Irish?

The plural of leannán is leannáin; with the article, na leannáin means “the lovers”. The genitive plural is leannán, as in scéal na leannán (the story of the lovers).

Q: Does leannán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leannán can mean lover or persistent ailment, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “lover” in Irish

Irish:: leannán
English:: lover, persistent ailment
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “LAN-awn” /ˈlʲan̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: leannáin (lovers)
Genitive singular:: leannáin, an leannáin (e.g. litir an leannáin, the lover's letter)
Genitive plural:: leannán, na leannán (e.g. scéal na leannán, the story of the lovers)

What does “leannán” mean?

“Leannán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

lover: A person with whom someone has a romantic or sexual relationship.Also: sweetheart, paramour, beloved.

1 other meaning: persistent ailment

2persistent ailment: A chronic or recurring affliction that clings to a person, as in 'leannán peaca' or a long illness.Also: chronic affliction, besetting sin.

“Leannán” with the article

The plural of lover in Irish is leannáin. Here is leannán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an leannán

the lover

No change after an

na leannáin

the lovers

Plural: no change after na

“Leannán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leannán, the Irish word for lover.

Tá an cailín tréigthe ag a leannán.

The girl has been abandoned by her lover.

Bhuail sí lena leannán ag an droichead.

She met her sweetheart at the bridge.

Bhí leannán rúnda aici.

She had a secret lover.

Scríobh sé litir chuig a leannán.

He wrote a letter to his sweetheart.

Shiúil an dá leannán cois trá.

The two lovers walked along the shore.

Ní raibh ainm an leannáin ar eolas ag aon duine.

Nobody knew the lover's name.

Is iomaí amhrán faoi leannáin atá sa traidisiún.

There are many songs about lovers in the tradition.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Lover in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lover?

The Irish for lover is leannán (pronounced “LAN-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is leannáin. Depending on context it can also mean persistent ailment.

How do you pronounce leannán in Irish?

Leannán is said like “LAN-awn” (IPA /ˈlʲan̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of lover in Irish?

The plural of leannán is leannáin; with the article, na leannáin means “the lovers”. The genitive plural is leannán, as in scéal na leannán (the story of the lovers).

Does leannán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leannán can mean lover or persistent ailment, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is a 'leannán sí'?

A 'leannán sí' is a fairy lover in folklore, a spirit who inspires a poet but drains his life; it is used figuratively for a muse.

Is 'leannán' the same as 'cara'?

No, 'cara' is a friend, while 'leannán' means a lover or sweetheart in a romantic sense.

Lover in Irish (Leannán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage