HeyRuaHow to say “ordinary person” in Irish
- Irish:
- gnáthdhuine
- English:
- ordinary person, layperson
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GNAW-ghin-yeh” /ˈɡn̪ˠɑːˌɣɪnʲə/
- Plural:
- gnáthdhaoine (ordinary people)
- Genitive singular:
- gnáthdhuine, an ghnáthdhuine (e.g. saol an ghnáthdhuine, the life of the ordinary person)
- Genitive plural:
- gnáthdhaoine, na ngnáthdhaoine (e.g. tuairimí na ngnáthdhaoine, the opinions of the ordinary people)
What does “gnáthdhuine” mean?
“Gnáthdhuine” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ordinary person
- An average, everyday person who has no special rank, fame or expertise.Also: average person, common man, man in the street, everyman.
1 other meaning: layperson
- 2layperson
- A person who is not an expert or professional in a particular field.Also: layman, non-expert.
“Gnáthdhuine” with the article
The plural of ordinary person in Irish is gnáthdhaoine. Here is gnáthdhuine after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gnáthdhuine” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gnáthdhuine, the Irish word for ordinary person.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ordinary person in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ordinary person?
The Irish for ordinary person is gnáthdhuine (pronounced “GNAW-ghin-yeh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gnáthdhaoine. Depending on context it can also mean layperson.
How do you pronounce gnáthdhuine in Irish?
Gnáthdhuine is said like “GNAW-ghin-yeh” (IPA /ˈɡn̪ˠɑːˌɣɪnʲə/).
What is the plural of ordinary person in Irish?
The plural of gnáthdhuine is gnáthdhaoine; with the article, na gnáthdhaoine means “the ordinary people”. The genitive plural is gnáthdhaoine, as in tuairimí na ngnáthdhaoine (the opinions of the ordinary people).
Does gnáthdhuine have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gnáthdhuine can mean ordinary person or layperson, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gnáthdhuine change to ghnáthdhuine or ngnáthdhuine?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gnáthdhuine becomes mo ghnáthdhuine (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngnáthdhuine (eclipsis).
How is 'gnáthdhuine' different from 'tuata'?
'Gnáthdhuine' is any ordinary person, while 'tuata' specifically means a layperson as opposed to a member of the clergy, or sometimes a non-expert.
How is 'gnáthdhuine' formed?
It combines the prefix 'gnáth-' (ordinary, usual) with 'duine' (person), and the prefix lenites, giving 'gnáthdhuine'.
