HeyRuaHow to say “pen” in Irish
- Irish:
- peann
- English:
- pen, writing, penmanship
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “pyown” /pʲaun̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- pinn (pens)
- Genitive singular:
- pinn, an phinn (e.g. barr an phinn, the tip of the pen)
- Genitive plural:
- peann, na bpeann (e.g. bosca na bpeann, the pen box)
What does “peann” mean?
“Peann” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pen
- An instrument containing ink, used for writing or drawing.Also: ink pen, writing pen, biro.
1 other meaning: writing, penmanship
- 2writing, penmanship
- The pen as a symbol of writing or literary style, as in someone's way of writing.Also: penmanship, writing, pen, quill.
Other Irish words for pen: loca (pen)
“Peann” with the article
The plural of pen in Irish is pinn. Here is peann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Peann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using peann, the Irish word for pen.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pen in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pen?
The Irish for pen is peann (pronounced “pyown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is pinn. Depending on context it can also mean writing, penmanship.
How do you pronounce peann in Irish?
Peann is said like “pyown” (IPA /pʲaun̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of pen in Irish?
The plural of peann is pinn; with the article, na pinn means “the pens”. The genitive plural is peann, as in bosca na bpeann (the pen box).
Does peann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Peann can mean pen or writing, penmanship, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does peann change to pheann or bpeann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) peann becomes mo pheann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpeann (eclipsis).
How do I say 'pencil' in Irish?
A pencil is 'peann luaidhe', literally 'pen of lead'; the plural is 'pinn luaidhe'.
Is there a separate word for a biro?
Yes, 'peann gránbhiorach' is the standard term for a ballpoint pen, though 'bioró' is also heard informally.
