HeyRuaHow to say “shirt” in Irish
- Irish:
- léine
- English:
- shirt, tunic
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “LAY-nyuh” /ˈlʲeːnʲə/
- Plural:
- léinte (shirts)
- Genitive singular:
- léine, na léine (e.g. muinchille na léine, the sleeve of the shirt)
- Genitive plural:
- léinte, na léinte (e.g. cnaipí na léinte, the buttons of the shirts)
What does “léine” mean?
“Léine” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shirt
- A piece of clothing for the upper body, usually with sleeves, a collar and buttons down the front.Also: blouse, top.
1 other meaning: tunic
- 2tunic
- A long, loose garment worn in earlier times, especially the traditional Irish saffron tunic.Also: smock, shift.
Other Irish words for shirt: blús (blouse)
“Léine” with the article
The plural of shirt in Irish is léinte. Here is léine after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Léine” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using léine, the Irish word for shirt.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shirt in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shirt?
The Irish for shirt is léine (pronounced “LAY-nyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is léinte. Depending on context it can also mean tunic.
How do you pronounce léine in Irish?
Léine is said like “LAY-nyuh” (IPA /ˈlʲeːnʲə/).
What is the plural of shirt in Irish?
The plural of léine is léinte; with the article, na léinte means “the shirts”. The genitive plural is léinte, as in cnaipí na léinte (the buttons of the shirts).
Does léine have more than one meaning?
Yes. Léine can mean shirt or tunic, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is 'léine' used for a sports jersey?
Yes, a team jersey is often called 'léine' (e.g. 'léine an chontae', the county jersey), though 'geansaí' is also used for a jumper or jersey.
What does 'i do léine' mean?
'Bhí sé ina léine' means he was in his shirtsleeves or wearing only his shirt, without a jacket.
