HeyRuaHow to say “sigh” in Irish
- Irish:
- osna
- English:
- sigh, breath of wind
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “US-nuh” /ˈɔsˠn̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- osnaí (sighs)
- Genitive singular:
- osna, na hosna (e.g. fuaim na hosna, the sound of the sigh)
- Genitive plural:
- osnaí, na n-osnaí (e.g. líon na n-osnaí, the number of sighs)
What does “osna” mean?
“Osna” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sigh
- A long, deep breath let out audibly, often showing sadness, tiredness or relief.Also: deep breath, sigh of relief, sob.
“Osna” with the article
The plural of sigh in Irish is osnaí. Here is osna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Osna” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using osna, the Irish word for sigh.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sigh in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sigh?
The Irish for sigh is osna (pronounced “US-nuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is osnaí. Depending on context it can also mean breath of wind.
How do you pronounce osna in Irish?
Osna is said like “US-nuh” (IPA /ˈɔsˠn̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of sigh in Irish?
The plural of osna is osnaí; with the article, na hosnaí means “the sighs”. The genitive plural is osnaí, as in líon na n-osnaí (the number of sighs).
Does osna have more than one meaning?
Yes. Osna can mean sigh or breath of wind, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does osna sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an osna (the sigh), a hosna (her sigh), a n-osna (their sigh), na hosnaí (the sighs).
How do I say 'to sigh' in Irish?
Say 'osna a ligean' (lig sé osna, he sighed) or use the verb 'osnaigh'; continuous sighing is 'osnaíl'.
