Sun in Irish (Grian): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for sun?

The Irish for sun is grian (pronounced “gree-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is grianta. Depending on context it can also mean sunshine or paragon.

Q: What is the plural of sun in Irish?

The plural of grian is grianta; with the article, na grianta means “the suns”. The genitive plural is grianta, as in teas na ngrianta (the heat of the suns).

Q: Does grian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grian can mean sun, sunshine or paragon, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sun” in Irish

Irish:: grian
English:: sun, sunshine, paragon
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “gree-un” /ɟɾʲiənˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: grianta (suns)
Genitive singular:: gréine, na gréine (e.g. solas na gréine, the light of the sun)
Genitive plural:: grianta, na ngrianta (e.g. teas na ngrianta, the heat of the suns)

What does “grian” mean?

“Grian” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

sun: The star that gives the earth light and heat during the day.Also: the sun, star.

2 other meanings: sunshine or paragon

2sunshine: The light and warmth that comes from the sun.Also: sunlight, sun.
3paragon: A person or thing that is the brightest or finest of its kind, used in praise.Also: darling, shining light.

“Grian” with the article

The plural of sun in Irish is grianta. Here is grian after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ghrian

the sun

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

na grianta

the suns

Plural: no change after na

“Grian” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using grian, the Irish word for sun.

Tá an ghrian ag taitneamh inniu.

The sun is shining today.

Tá lá gréine ann, rachaimid go dtí an trá.

It's a sunny day, let's go to the beach.

Shuigh mé sa ghrian ar feadh uair an chloig.

I sat in the sun for an hour.

Éiríonn an ghrian go luath sa samhradh.

The sun rises early in summer.

Cuir uachtar gréine ort roimh dhul amach.

Put on sun cream before going out.

Bhí grian ann ar maidin ach chuir sé tráthnóna.

There was sun in the morning but it rained in the evening.

Ná fan rófhada amuigh faoin ngrian.

Don't stay out in the sun too long.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sun in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sun?

The Irish for sun is grian (pronounced “gree-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is grianta. Depending on context it can also mean sunshine or paragon.

How do you pronounce grian in Irish?

Grian is said like “gree-un” (IPA /ɟɾʲiənˠ/).

What is the plural of sun in Irish?

The plural of grian is grianta; with the article, na grianta means “the suns”. The genitive plural is grianta, as in teas na ngrianta (the heat of the suns).

Does grian have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grian can mean sun, sunshine or paragon, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does grian change to ghrian or ngrian?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) grian becomes mo ghrian (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngrian (eclipsis).

Why do I see 'gréine' instead of 'grian' in phrases like 'lá gréine'?

'Gréine' is the genitive form, so 'lá gréine' means a sunny day, literally a day of sun, and 'luí na gréine' is sunset.

How do I say 'in the sun' in Irish?

Say 'sa ghrian' or 'faoin ngrian', for example 'Bhí mé i mo shuí sa ghrian'.

Sun in Irish (Grian): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage