HeyRuaHow to say “song” in Irish
- Irish:
- amhrán
- English:
- song, stressed metre
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ow-RAWN” /əuˈɾˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- amhráin (songs)
- Genitive singular:
- amhráin, an amhráin (e.g. focail an amhráin, the words of the song)
- Genitive plural:
- amhrán, na n-amhrán (e.g. leabhar amhrán, a songbook)
What does “amhrán” mean?
“Amhrán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- song
- A piece of music with words that is sung.Also: ballad, air, tune.
1 other meaning: stressed metre
- 2stressed metre
- A type of Irish verse metre based on stressed vowel patterns rather than syllable counts.Also: accentual metre, song metre.
Other Irish words for song: amhránaíocht (singing)
“Amhrán” with the article
The plural of song in Irish is amhráin. Here is amhrán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Amhrán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using amhrán, the Irish word for song.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Song in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for song?
The Irish for song is amhrán (pronounced “ow-RAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is amhráin. Depending on context it can also mean stressed metre.
How do you pronounce amhrán in Irish?
Amhrán is said like “ow-RAWN” (IPA /əuˈɾˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of song in Irish?
The plural of amhrán is amhráin; with the article, na hamhráin means “the songs”. The genitive plural is amhrán, as in leabhar amhrán (a songbook).
Does amhrán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Amhrán can mean song or stressed metre, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does amhrán sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-amhrán (the song), a hamhrán (her song), a n-amhrán (their song), na hamhráin (the songs).
Which verb do you use for singing a song in Irish?
You can say 'amhrán a chanadh', 'amhrán a rá' or 'amhrán a chasadh': 'Abair amhrán!' means 'Sing a song!'.
What is the difference between 'amhrán' and 'port'?
An 'amhrán' is a song with words, while a 'port' is usually an instrumental tune, especially a jig.
