HeyRuaHow to say “sighing” in Irish
- Irish:
- osnaíl
- English:
- sighing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- osnaigh, to sigh (ag osnaíl, sighing)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “US-neel” /ˈosˠnˠiːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- osnaíola, na hosnaíola (e.g. fuaim na hosnaíola, the sound of the sighing)
What does “osnaíl” mean?
- sighing
- The act of sighing repeatedly or heavily; the verbal noun of the verb osnaigh, to sigh.Also: sigh, moaning, sobbing.
“Osnaíl” as a verbal noun
After ag, osnaíl means sighing: it is the verbal noun of the verb osnaigh (to sigh). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Osnaíl” with the article
Here is osnaíl after the article (an t-alt).
“Osnaíl” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using osnaíl, the Irish word for sighing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sighing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sighing?
The Irish for sighing is osnaíl (pronounced “US-neel”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce osnaíl in Irish?
Osnaíl is said like “US-neel” (IPA /ˈosˠnˠiːlʲ/).
Does osnaíl have a plural?
No plural form is given for osnaíl in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does osnaíl sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an osnaíl (the sighing), a hosnaíl (her sighing), a n-osnaíl (their sighing).
What is the difference between osna and osnaíl?
Osna is a single sigh, as in lig sé osna, while osnaíl is the ongoing act of sighing, as in bhí sé ag osnaíl.
