HeyRuaHow to say “pity” in Irish
- Irish:
- trua
- English:
- pity, shame, object of pity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TROO-uh” /t̪ˠɾˠuə/
- Plural:
- truanna
- Genitive singular:
- trua, na trua (e.g. mothú na trua, the feeling of pity)
- Genitive plural:
- truanna, na dtruanna (e.g. scéal na dtruanna, the story of the pitiable ones)
What does “trua” mean?
“Trua” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pity
- The feeling of sorrow you have for someone who is suffering or in trouble.Also: compassion, sympathy.
2 other meanings: shame or object of pity
- 2shame
- A regrettable thing or situation, used especially in the phrase 'is trua' (it is a pity).Also: pity, regret.
- 3object of pity
- A person or creature that deserves pity, a poor wretch.Also: poor creature, poor soul.
“Trua” with the article
The plural of pity in Irish is truanna. Here is trua after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Trua” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using trua, the Irish word 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 trua (pronounced “TROO-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is truanna. Depending on context it can also mean shame or object of pity.
How do you pronounce trua in Irish?
Trua is said like “TROO-uh” (IPA /t̪ˠɾˠuə/).
What is the plural of pity in Irish?
The plural of trua is truanna; with the article, it is na truanna. The genitive plural is truanna, as in scéal na dtruanna (the story of the pitiable ones).
Does trua have more than one meaning?
Yes. Trua can mean pity, shame or object of pity, depending on context; the first is the most common. Trua also has its own entry as an adjective meaning pitiable.
Why does trua change to thrua or dtrua?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) trua becomes mo thrua (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtrua (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I feel sorry for him' in Irish?
Say 'Tá trua agam dó', literally 'I have pity for him'.
What does 'Is trua' mean at the start of a sentence?
'Is trua' means 'it is a pity', as in 'Is trua nach bhfuil sé ag teacht' (it's a pity he isn't coming).
