Scale in Irish (Gainne): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for scale?

The Irish for scale is gainne (pronounced “GAN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gainní. Depending on context it can also mean scurf.

Q: What is the plural of scale in Irish?

The plural of gainne is gainní; with the article, na gainní means “the scales”. The genitive plural is gainní, as in cumhdach na ngainní (the covering of the scales).

Q: Does gainne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gainne can mean scale or scurf, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “scale” in Irish

Irish:: gainne
English:: scale, scurf
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GAN-yuh” /ˈɡanʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: gainní (scales)
Genitive singular:: gainne, an ghainne (e.g. dath an ghainne, the colour of the scale)
Genitive plural:: gainní, na ngainní (e.g. cumhdach na ngainní, the covering of the scales)

What does “gainne” mean?

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

scale: One of the small thin plates that cover the skin of a fish or reptile.Also: fish scale, scales.

1 other meaning: scurf

2scurf: A flaky, scaly layer or flake, as on skin.Also: flake, scale.

“Gainne” with the article

The plural of scale in Irish is gainní. Here is gainne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gainne

the scale

No change after an

na gainní

the scales

Plural: no change after na

“Gainne” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gainne, the Irish word for scale.

Tá gainne ar an mbord ón iasc.

There's a scale on the table from the fish.

Bhain sé na gainní den bhradán.

He removed the scales from the salmon.

Bhí an gainne beag ag lonrú sa ghrian.

The little scale was shining in the sun.

Tá gainní crua ar chraiceann na nathrach.

A snake's skin has hard scales.

Fuair mé gainne i mo cheapaire éisc.

I found a scale in my fish sandwich.

Cén dath atá ar ghainní an éisc sin?

What colour are that fish's scales?

Bhí gainní ar fud an urláir sa chistin.

There were scales all over the kitchen floor.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Scale in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for scale?

The Irish for scale is gainne (pronounced “GAN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gainní. Depending on context it can also mean scurf.

How do you pronounce gainne in Irish?

Gainne is said like “GAN-yuh” (IPA /ˈɡanʲə/).

What is the plural of scale in Irish?

The plural of gainne is gainní; with the article, na gainní means “the scales”. The genitive plural is gainní, as in cumhdach na ngainní (the covering of the scales).

Does gainne have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gainne can mean scale or scurf, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gainne change to ghainne or ngainne?

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

Is 'gainne' the same word as 'gainne' meaning scarcity?

No. 'Gainne' meaning scarcity is a separate noun related to the adjective 'gann'; this 'gainne' means a scale, as on a fish.

Is there another word for fish scales?

Yes, 'lann' is also used for a fish scale, and the adjective 'gainneach' means scaly.

Scale in Irish (Gainne): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage