HeyRuaHow to say “ounce” in Irish
- Irish:
- unsa
- English:
- ounce, ounce (small amount)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “UN-suh” /ˈʊnˠsˠə/
- Plural:
- unsaí (ounces)
- Genitive singular:
- unsa, an unsa (e.g. leath an unsa, half the ounce)
- Genitive plural:
- unsaí, na n-unsaí (e.g. líon na n-unsaí, the number of ounces)
What does “unsa” mean?
“Unsa” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ounce
- A unit of weight equal to one sixteenth of a pound, about 28 grams.Also: oz, unit of weight.
1 other meaning: ounce (small amount)
- 2ounce (small amount)
- A very small amount of something, used figuratively.Also: ounce, tiny amount, bit.
Other Irish words for ounce: uinge (ounce)
“Unsa” with the article
The plural of ounce in Irish is unsaí. Here is unsa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Unsa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using unsa, the Irish word for ounce.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ounce in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ounce?
The Irish for ounce is unsa (pronounced “UN-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is unsaí. Depending on context it can also mean ounce (small amount).
How do you pronounce unsa in Irish?
Unsa is said like “UN-suh” (IPA /ˈʊnˠsˠə/).
What is the plural of ounce in Irish?
The plural of unsa is unsaí; with the article, na hunsaí means “the ounces”. The genitive plural is unsaí, as in líon na n-unsaí (the number of ounces).
Does unsa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Unsa can mean ounce or ounce (small amount), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does unsa sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-unsa (the ounce), a hunsa (her ounce), a n-unsa (their ounce), na hunsaí (the ounces).
Does 'unsa' take the singular after numbers?
Yes, like most measures it stays singular after numbers: trí unsa, ocht n-unsa.
Can 'unsa' be used figuratively as in English?
Yes, níl unsa céille aige means 'he hasn't an ounce of sense'.
