HeyRuaHow to say “lump” in Irish
- Irish:
- ailp
- English:
- lump, bite
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “al-ip” /alʲəpʲ/
- Plural:
- ailpeanna (lumps)
- Genitive singular:
- ailpe, na hailpe (e.g. méid na hailpe, the size of the lump)
- Genitive plural:
- ailpeanna, na n-ailpeanna (e.g. méid na n-ailpeanna, the size of the lumps)
What does “ailp” mean?
“Ailp” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lump
- A large, thick piece of something, such as food, earth or stone.Also: chunk, hunk, knob.
“Ailp” with the article
The plural of lump in Irish is ailpeanna. Here is ailp after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ailp” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ailp, the Irish word for lump.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lump in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lump?
The Irish for lump is ailp (pronounced “al-ip”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ailpeanna. Depending on context it can also mean bite.
How do you pronounce ailp in Irish?
Ailp is said like “al-ip” (IPA /alʲəpʲ/).
What is the plural of lump in Irish?
The plural of ailp is ailpeanna; with the article, na hailpeanna means “the lumps”. The genitive plural is ailpeanna, as in méid na n-ailpeanna (the size of the lumps).
Does ailp have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ailp can mean lump or bite, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ailp sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ailp (the lump), a hailp (her lump), a n-ailp (their lump), na hailpeanna (the lumps).
What does 'grá na hailpe' mean?
'Grá na hailpe' (or 'grá don ailp') means cupboard love, affection shown only for the sake of food or gain.
How is 'ailp' different from 'cnap'?
'Cnap' is a general lump or knob, while 'ailp' especially suggests a big chunk or greedy bite, often of food.
