HeyRuaHow to say “poison” in Irish
- Irish:
- nimh
- English:
- poison, venom
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “niv” /nʲivʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- nimhe, na nimhe (e.g. buidéal nimhe, a bottle of poison)
What does “nimh” mean?
“Nimh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- poison
- A substance that harms or kills a person, animal or plant if it is swallowed, breathed in or injected.Also: venom, toxin.
1 other meaning: venom
- 2venom
- Bitterness, spite or ill will in what someone says or feels.Also: bitterness, spite, malice, virulence.
“Nimh” with the article
Here is nimh after the article (an t-alt).
“Nimh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using nimh, the Irish word for poison.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Poison in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for poison?
The Irish for poison is nimh (pronounced “niv”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean venom.
How do you pronounce nimh in Irish?
Nimh is said like “niv” (IPA /nʲivʲ/).
Does nimh have a plural?
No plural form is given for nimh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does nimh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Nimh can mean poison or venom, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between nimh and nimhneach?
Nimh is the noun 'poison', while nimhneach is an adjective meaning 'poisonous', 'painful' or 'spiteful', as in cainteanna nimhneacha, 'venomous remarks'.
How do I say something is poisonous using nimh?
You can say tá nimh ann, 'there is poison in it', or use the genitive as an adjective, as in eidhneán nimhe, 'poison ivy'.
