HeyRuaHow to say “sin” in Irish
- Irish:
- peaca
- English:
- sin, pity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “PYAK-uh” /ˈpʲakə/
- Plural:
- peacaí (sins)
- Genitive singular:
- peaca, an pheaca (e.g. maithiúnas an pheaca, forgiveness of the sin)
- Genitive plural:
- peacaí, na bpeacaí (e.g. maithiúnas na bpeacaí, forgiveness of sins)
What does “peaca” mean?
“Peaca” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sin
- An act that breaks a religious or moral law.Also: wrongdoing, transgression, offence.
1 other meaning: pity
- 2pity
- Used in phrases to say something is a shame or a pity, as in 'is peaca é'.Also: shame.
“Peaca” with the article
The plural of sin in Irish is peacaí. Here is peaca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Peaca” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using peaca, the Irish word for sin.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sin in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sin?
The Irish for sin is peaca (pronounced “PYAK-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is peacaí. Depending on context it can also mean pity.
How do you pronounce peaca in Irish?
Peaca is said like “PYAK-uh” (IPA /ˈpʲakə/).
What is the plural of sin in Irish?
The plural of peaca is peacaí; with the article, na peacaí means “the sins”. The genitive plural is peacaí, as in maithiúnas na bpeacaí (forgiveness of sins).
Does peaca have more than one meaning?
Yes. Peaca can mean sin or pity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does peaca change to pheaca or bpeaca?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) peaca becomes mo pheaca (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpeaca (eclipsis).
How do I say 'it's a pity' using peaca?
You can say 'Is peaca é' or 'Nach é an peaca é!' to mean it's a shame, much like English 'it's a sin'.
What is the difference between peaca and coir?
Peaca is a moral or religious sin, while coir is a crime against the law.
