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Mark in Irish (Rian): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rian’ also means: track

The Irish for mark is rian, a masculine noun (plural rianta).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “mark” in Irish

Irish:
rian
English:
mark, track
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“ree-un”  /ɾˠiənˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
rianta (marks)
Genitive singular:
riain, an riain (e.g. ag leanúint an riain, following the track)
Genitive plural:
rianta, na rianta (e.g. líon na rianta, the number of tracks)

What does “rian” mean?

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

mark
A sign or impression left on something, such as a footprint, scar or stain.Also: trace, sign, impression, vestige.
1 other meaning: track
2track
A path or course along which something moves, including a track on a recording or a racing track.Also: course, path, trail.

Other Irish words for mark: comhartha (sign), tí (mark), ceiliúir (celebrate), marcáil (mark)

“Rian” with the article

The plural of mark in Irish is rianta. Here is rian after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an rian
the mark
No change after an
na rianta
the marks
Plural: no change after na

“Rian” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rian, the Irish word for mark.

Níl rian ar bith de ar an talamh.
There's no trace of him on the ground.
D'fhág an cupán rian ar an mbord.
The cup left a mark on the table.
Lean na gadhair an rian tríd an gcoill.
The dogs followed the trail through the wood.
Is léir ó na rianta a d'fhág siad gur beirt a bhí ann.
We can see from the traces they left that there were two of them.
Tá dhá rian déag ar an albam nua.
There are twelve tracks on the new album.
Bhí rian na bliana crua le feiceáil ar a aghaidh.
The mark of the hard year could be seen on his face.
Rith sí timpeall an riain reatha faoi dhó.
She ran around the running track twice.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Mark in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mark?

The Irish for mark is rian (pronounced “ree-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is rianta. Depending on context it can also mean track.

How do you pronounce rian in Irish?

Rian is said like “ree-un” (IPA /ɾˠiənˠ/).

What is the plural of mark in Irish?

The plural of rian is rianta; with the article, na rianta means “the marks”. The genitive plural is rianta, as in líon na rianta (the number of tracks).

Does rian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rian can mean mark or track, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'rian' and 'lorg'?

Both can mean a trace or mark, but 'lorg' is especially a footprint or the act of searching (ar lorg), while 'rian' is a general mark, trace or track. You say 'gan rian' for without a trace.

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