HeyRuaHow to say “saying” in Irish
- Irish:
- nathán
- English:
- saying, witty remark
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “NA-hawn” /ˈn̪ˠahaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- natháin
- Genitive singular:
- natháin, an natháin (e.g. brí an natháin, the meaning of the saying)
- Genitive plural:
- nathán, na nathán (e.g. leabhar na nathán, the book of the sayings)
What does “nathán” mean?
“Nathán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- saying
- A short, well-known phrase or expression, often clever or wise, such as a proverb or aphorism.Also: aphorism, adage, maxim, expression.
1 other meaning: witty remark
- 2witty remark
- A pithy or witty remark made in conversation.Also: quip, pithy remark.
Other Irish words for saying: rá (saying), nath (saying), seanfhocal (proverb), seanrá (saying)
“Nathán” with the article
The plural of saying in Irish is natháin. Here is nathán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Nathán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using nathán, the Irish word for saying.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Saying in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for saying?
The Irish for saying is nathán (pronounced “NA-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is natháin. Depending on context it can also mean witty remark.
How do you pronounce nathán in Irish?
Nathán is said like “NA-hawn” (IPA /ˈn̪ˠahaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of saying in Irish?
The plural of nathán is natháin; with the article, it is na natháin. The genitive plural is nathán, as in leabhar na nathán (the book of the sayings).
Does nathán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Nathán can mean saying or witty remark, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'nathán' and 'seanfhocal'?
A 'seanfhocal' is a traditional proverb, while 'nathán' is broader: any pithy saying or expression. The common phrase for an idiom is 'nath cainte' or 'nathán cainte'.
