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Shaming in Irish (Náiriú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘náiriú’ also means: humiliation

The Irish for shaming is náiriú, a masculine noun. Ag náiriú is shaming, from the verb náirigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “shaming” in Irish

Irish:
náiriú
English:
shaming, humiliation
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
náirigh, to shame (ag náiriú, shaming)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“NAW-roo”  /ˈnˠɑːɾʲuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
náirithe, an náirithe (e.g. eagla an náirithe, fear of the shaming)

What does “náiriú” mean?

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

shaming
The verbal noun of náirigh: the act of shaming or disgracing someone.Also: disgracing, shame, disgrace.
1 other meaning: humiliation
2humiliation
The state of being made ashamed or humbled in front of others.Also: abasement, embarrassment.

“Náiriú” as a verbal noun

After ag, náiriú means shaming: it is the verbal noun of the verb náirigh (to shame). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
náiriúverbal noun
=
ag náiriúshaming

“Náiriú” with the article

Here is náiriú after the article (an t-alt).

an náiriú
the shaming
No change after an

“Náiriú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using náiriú, the Irish word for shaming.

Ní raibh aon ghá le náiriú den sórt sin.
There was no need for shaming like that.
Ghoill an náiriú go mór air.
The humiliation hurt him deeply.
Bhí sí ag iarraidh é a náiriú os comhair an ranga.
She was trying to shame him in front of the class.
Is cineál bulaíochta é náiriú poiblí.
Public shaming is a kind of bullying.
Níor thuill sé an náiriú a fuair sé.
He did not deserve the humiliation he got.
Bhí boladh an náirithe ar an scéal ar fad.
The whole affair had an air of disgrace about it.
Ná bí ag náiriú do mhuintire féin.
Do not be shaming your own family.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Shaming in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shaming?

The Irish for shaming is náiriú (pronounced “NAW-roo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean humiliation.

How do you pronounce náiriú in Irish?

Náiriú is said like “NAW-roo” (IPA /ˈnˠɑːɾʲuː/).

Does náiriú have a plural?

No plural form is given for náiriú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does náiriú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Náiriú can mean shaming or humiliation, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between náiriú and náire?

Náire is the feeling of shame itself, while náiriú is the act of shaming someone, the verbal noun of náirigh. Tá náire orm means I am ashamed; ag náiriú duine means shaming a person.

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