Saying in Irish (Nath): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for saying?

The Irish for saying is nath (pronounced “nah”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is nathanna. Depending on context it can also mean heed.

Q: What is the plural of saying in Irish?

The plural of nath is nathanna; with the article, it is na nathanna. The genitive plural is nathanna, as in bailiúchán na nathanna (the collection of sayings).

Q: Does nath have more than one meaning?

Yes. Nath can mean saying or heed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “saying” in Irish

Irish:: nath
English:: saying, heed
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “nah” /n̪ˠah/

Various forms

Plural:: nathanna
Genitive singular:: natha, an natha (e.g. brí an natha, the meaning of the saying)
Genitive plural:: nathanna, na nathanna (e.g. bailiúchán na nathanna, the collection of sayings)

What does “nath” mean?

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

saying: A short traditional expression or adage that people use in speech.Also: adage, epigram, expression, idiom.

1 other meaning: heed

2heed: Notice or attention, used mainly in phrases such as 'ní chuirim nath ann' (I pay no heed to it).Also: attention, notice.

Other Irish words for saying: rá (saying), seanfhocal (proverb), nathán (saying), seanrá (saying)

“Nath” with the article

The plural of saying in Irish is nathanna. Here is nath after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an nath

the saying

No change after an

na nathanna

the saying (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Nath” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using nath, the Irish word for saying.

Is nath coitianta é sin i gConamara.

That's a common saying in Connemara.

Bhí an nath sin ag mo sheanmháthair i gcónaí.

My grandmother always used that saying.

Níl mé cinnte faoi bhrí an natha.

I'm not sure about the meaning of the saying.

Foghlaimíonn na daltaí nathanna cainte gach seachtain.

The pupils learn idioms every week.

Ná cuir aon nath ann, níl sé ach ag magadh.

Pay no heed to it, he's only joking.

Tá go leor nathanna deasa sa leabhar seo.

There are lots of nice sayings in this book.

Chuir sí nath deas ina haiste.

She put a nice saying in her essay.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Saying in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for saying?

The Irish for saying is nath (pronounced “nah”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is nathanna. Depending on context it can also mean heed.

How do you pronounce nath in Irish?

Nath is said like “nah” (IPA /n̪ˠah/).

What is the plural of saying in Irish?

The plural of nath is nathanna; with the article, it is na nathanna. The genitive plural is nathanna, as in bailiúchán na nathanna (the collection of sayings).

Does nath have more than one meaning?

Yes. Nath can mean saying or heed, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'nath' and 'seanfhocal'?

A 'seanfhocal' is a proverb with a moral, while 'nath' is a broader word for a saying or expression; 'nath cainte' means an idiom.

How do I say 'I don't care about it' using nath?

Say 'Ní chuirim nath ar bith ann', meaning 'I pay no heed at all to it'.

Saying in Irish (Nath): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage