HeyRuaHow to say “penal” in Irish
- Irish:
- pianúil
- English:
- penal, painful
- Word type:
- adjective
- More penal:
- níos pianúla
- Most penal:
- is pianúla
- Plural:
- pianúla
- Pronunciation:
- “PEE-an-ool” /ˈpʲiənuːlʲ/
What does “pianúil” mean?
“Pianúil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- penal
- Relating to punishment or penalties, especially those set by law.Also: punitive, punishing.
1 other meaning: painful
- 2painful
- Causing pain or suffering; a less common word for pianmhar.Also: agonizing, sore.
“Pianúil” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is pianúil after dlí (law, masculine), after cáin (tax, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: cáin phianúil. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: dlí pianúil.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, pianúla. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: cánacha pianúla.
More penal, most penal, very penal
Tá an pionós seo níos pianúla ná an ceann eile. This penalty is more punitive than the other one.
| more penal | níos pianúla | in the past tense: ní ba phianúla |
|---|---|---|
| most penal | is pianúla | in the past tense: ba phianúla |
| as penal as | chomh pianúil le | no change after chomh |
| very penal | an-phianúil | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too penal | róphianúil | ró- lenites |
“Pianúil” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Penal in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for penal?
The Irish for penal is pianúil (pronounced “PEE-an-ool”). It comes after the noun: dlí pianúil, a penal law; cáin phianúil, a penal tax.
How do you say more penal and most penal in Irish?
níos pianúla is more penal and is pianúla is most penal. In the past tense they become ní ba phianúla and ba phianúla.
Why does pianúil become phianúil?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So cáin phianúil (a penal tax) but dlí pianúil (a penal law), because dlí is masculine.
What is the plural of pianúil?
With a plural noun pianúil becomes pianúla: dlíthe pianúla, cánacha pianúla.
How do you say very penal in Irish?
an-phianúil. Too penal is róphianúil, and as penal as is chomh pianúil le.
Does pianúil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Pianúil can mean penal or painful, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is 'pianúil' the word for the historical Penal Laws?
The Penal Laws are usually called 'na Péindlíthe', though 'dlíthe pianúla' is also understood as penal laws in general.
What is the difference between 'pianúil' and 'pianmhar'?
'Pianmhar' is the usual word for physically painful, while 'pianúil' mostly means penal or punitive in legal contexts.
