HeyRuaHow to say “surprise” in Irish
- Irish:
- ionadh
- English:
- surprise, wonder
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “EE-nuh” /ˈiːnˠə/
- Plural:
- ionaí (surprises)
- Genitive singular:
- ionaidh, an ionaidh (e.g. cúis ionaidh, a cause of surprise)
- Genitive plural:
- ionaí, na n-ionaí (e.g. ag plé na n-ionaí, discussing the wonders)
What does “ionadh” mean?
“Ionadh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- surprise
- The feeling you have when something unexpected happens.Also: astonishment, amazement.
1 other meaning: wonder
- 2wonder
- Something strange or marvellous that causes amazement.Also: marvel.
“Ionadh” with the article
The plural of surprise in Irish is ionaí. Here is ionadh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ionadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ionadh, the Irish word for surprise.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Surprise in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for surprise?
The Irish for surprise is ionadh (pronounced “EE-nuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ionaí. Depending on context it can also mean wonder.
How do you pronounce ionadh in Irish?
Ionadh is said like “EE-nuh” (IPA /ˈiːnˠə/).
What is the plural of surprise in Irish?
The plural of ionadh is ionaí; with the article, na hionaí means “the surprises”. The genitive plural is ionaí, as in ag plé na n-ionaí (discussing the wonders).
Does ionadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ionadh can mean surprise or wonder, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ionadh sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ionadh (the surprise), a hionadh (her surprise), a n-ionadh (their surprise), na hionaí (the surprises).
What is the difference between 'ionadh' and 'iontas'?
Both mean surprise or wonder and are largely interchangeable: 'bhí ionadh orm' and 'bhí iontas orm' both mean 'I was surprised'. 'Iontas' is more common in Connacht and Munster speech.
How do I say 'no wonder' in Irish?
Say 'ní hionadh' or 'níl aon ionadh', for example 'Ní hionadh go raibh tuirse air', 'No wonder he was tired'.
