HeyRuaHow to say “shy” in Irish
- Irish:
- náireach
- English:
- shy, shameful
- Word type:
- adjective
- Shier:
- níos náirí
- Shiest:
- is náirí
- Plural:
- náireacha
- Pronunciation:
- “NAW-rukh” /ˈn̪ˠɑːɾʲəx/
What does “náireach” mean?
“Náireach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shy
- Easily embarrassed and uneasy with other people.Also: bashful, modest, diffident, timid.
“Náireach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is náireach after buachaill (boy, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, náireacha.
Shier, shiest, very shy
Tá sí níos náirí ná a deartháir. She is shyer than her brother.
| shier | níos náirí | in the past tense: ní ba náirí |
|---|---|---|
| shiest | is náirí | in the past tense: ba náirí |
| as shy as | chomh náireach le | no change after chomh |
| very shy | an-náireach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too shy | rónáireach | ró- lenites |
“Náireach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Shy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shy?
The Irish for shy is náireach (pronounced “NAW-rukh”). It comes after the noun: buachaill náireach, a shy boy; bean náireach, a shy woman.
How do you say shier and shiest in Irish?
níos náirí is shier and is náirí is shiest. In the past tense they become ní ba náirí and ba náirí.
What is the plural of náireach?
With a plural noun náireach becomes náireacha: buachaillí náireacha, mná náireacha.
How do you say very shy in Irish?
an-náireach. Too shy is rónáireach, and as shy as is chomh náireach le.
Does náireach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Náireach can mean shy or shameful, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'náireach' and 'cúthail'?
'Cúthail' is the everyday word for shy, while 'náireach' can mean shy or modest but also shameful, as in 'gníomh náireach', a shameful act.
What is the opposite of 'náireach'?
'Mínáireach' means shameless or brazen, the opposite of 'náireach'.
