HeyRuaHow to say “nail” in Irish
- Irish:
- ionga
- English:
- nail, claw, hoof, clove
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UNG-uh” /ˈuːŋə/
- Plural:
- ingne (nails)
- Genitive singular:
- iongan, na hiongan (e.g. barr na hiongan, the tip of the nail)
- Genitive plural:
- ingne, na n-ingne (e.g. scuab ingne, nailbrush)
What does “ionga” mean?
“Ionga” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- nail
- The hard covering at the end of a finger or toe.Also: fingernail, toenail.
3 other meanings: claw or hoof or clove
- 2claw
- The sharp curved nail of an animal or bird.Also: talon.
- 3hoof
- The hard horny foot of an animal such as a horse or cow.
- 4clove
- One of the small segments of a bulb such as garlic.Also: clove of garlic.
Other Irish words for nail: tairne (nail)
“Ionga” with the article
The plural of nail in Irish is ingne. Here is ionga after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ionga” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ionga, the Irish word for nail.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Nail in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for nail?
The Irish for nail is ionga (pronounced “UNG-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is ingne. Depending on context it can also mean claw or hoof or clove.
How do you pronounce ionga in Irish?
Ionga is said like “UNG-uh” (IPA /ˈuːŋə/).
What is the plural of nail in Irish?
The plural of ionga is ingne; with the article, na hingne means “the nails”. The genitive plural is ingne, as in scuab ingne (nailbrush).
Does ionga have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ionga can mean nail, claw, hoof or clove, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ionga sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an ionga (the nail), a hionga (her nail), a n-ionga (their nail), na hingne (the nails).
How do I say 'biting your nails' in Irish?
You say 'ag creimeadh na n-ingne' or 'ag ithe na n-ingne', for example 'Bíonn sé ag creimeadh a chuid ingne'.
Is 'ionga' the word for a metal nail used in building?
No, a metal nail is 'tairne'; 'ionga' is only the nail on a finger, toe or animal.
