HeyRuaHow to say “nephew” in Irish
- Irish:
- nia
- English:
- nephew, champion
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nee-uh” /nʲiə/
- Plural:
- nianna (nephews)
- Genitive singular:
- nia, an nia (e.g. breithlá mo nia, my nephew's birthday)
- Genitive plural:
- nianna, na nianna (e.g. tuismitheoirí na nianna, the nephews' parents)
What does “nia” mean?
“Nia” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- nephew
- The son of your brother or sister.Also: brother's son, sister's son.
1 other meaning: champion
- 2champion
- A literary word for a warrior or champion, a brave fighting man, found mainly in older or poetic Irish.Also: warrior, hero.
“Nia” with the article
The plural of nephew in Irish is nianna. Here is nia after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Nia” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using nia, the Irish word for nephew.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Nephew in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for nephew?
The Irish for nephew is nia (pronounced “nee-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is nianna. Depending on context it can also mean champion.
How do you pronounce nia in Irish?
Nia is said like “nee-uh” (IPA /nʲiə/).
What is the plural of nephew in Irish?
The plural of nia is nianna; with the article, na nianna means “the nephews”. The genitive plural is nianna, as in tuismitheoirí na nianna (the nephews' parents).
Does nia have more than one meaning?
Yes. Nia can mean nephew or champion, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the Irish for niece?
A niece is 'neacht', the partner word of 'nia' (nephew).
Can I also say 'mac deirféar' for nephew?
Yes, 'mac deirféar' (sister's son) or 'mac dearthár' (brother's son) are also used, but 'nia' is the standard everyday word for nephew.
