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Pity in Irish (Truamhéala): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘truamhéala’ also means: pitiful state

The Irish for pity is truamhéala, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “pity” in Irish

Irish:
truamhéala
English:
pity, pitiful state
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“TROO-uh-vyay-luh”  /ˈt̪ˠɾˠuəvʲeːlˠə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
truamhéala, na truamhéala (e.g. cúis truamhéala, a cause for pity)

What does “truamhéala” mean?

“Truamhéala” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

pity
A feeling of sorrow and compassion for someone who is suffering or in a sad state.Also: compassion, commiseration, sympathy.
1 other meaning: pitiful state
2pitiful state
A sad or wretched condition that causes others to feel pity.Also: wretchedness, plight.

Other Irish words for pity: trua (pity)

“Truamhéala” with the article

Here is truamhéala after the article (an t-alt).

an truamhéala
the pity
No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Truamhéala” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using truamhéala, the Irish word for pity.

Bhí truamhéala agam don seanfhear bocht.
I felt pity for the poor old man.
Ní theastaíonn truamhéala uaim, a deir sí.
I don't want pity, she says.
Ba mhór an truamhéala é a fheiceáil mar sin.
It was a great pity to see him like that.
Bhí sé ina chúis truamhéala ag na comharsana.
He was an object of pity to the neighbours.
Ghlac sí truamhéala leis na páistí ocracha.
She took pity on the hungry children.
Bhí an truamhéala le feiceáil ina súile.
The pity could be seen in her eyes.
Is ábhar truamhéala é an chaoi a bhfuil siad.
The way they are is a cause for pity.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Pity in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for pity?

The Irish for pity is truamhéala (pronounced “TROO-uh-vyay-luh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pitiful state.

How do you pronounce truamhéala in Irish?

Truamhéala is said like “TROO-uh-vyay-luh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠɾˠuəvʲeːlˠə/).

Does truamhéala have a plural?

No plural form is given for truamhéala in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does truamhéala have more than one meaning?

Yes. Truamhéala can mean pity or pitiful state, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does truamhéala change to thruamhéala or dtruamhéala?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) truamhéala becomes mo thruamhéala (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtruamhéala (eclipsis).

What is the difference between truamhéala and trua?

Both mean pity, but trua is the everyday word (Is trua sin, that's a pity), while truamhéala is stronger and more literary, often meaning deep commiseration or a pitiful state.

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