HeyRuaHow to say “thing” in Irish
- Irish:
- ní
- English:
- thing, which (referring to a clause)
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- nigh, to wash (ag ní, washing)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “nee” /nʲiː/
- Plural:
- nithe
- Genitive singular:
- ní, an ní (e.g. luach an ní sin, the value of that thing)
- Genitive plural:
- nithe, na nithe (e.g. ord na nithe, the order of things)
What does “ní” mean?
“Ní” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- thing
- Something, an object, matter or affair; a literary or formal word for a thing.Also: object, matter, something.
“Ní” as a verbal noun
After ag, ní means washing: it is the verbal noun of the verb nigh (to wash). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Ní” with the article
The plural of thing in Irish is nithe. Here is ní after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ní” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ní, the Irish word for thing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Thing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for thing?
The Irish for thing is ní (pronounced “nee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is nithe. Depending on context it can also mean which (referring to a clause).
How do you pronounce ní in Irish?
Ní is said like “nee” (IPA /nʲiː/).
What is the plural of thing in Irish?
The plural of ní is nithe; with the article, it is na nithe. The genitive plural is nithe, as in ord na nithe (the order of things).
Does ní have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ní can mean thing or which (referring to a clause), depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'ní' and 'rud'?
Both mean 'thing', but 'rud' is the everyday word while 'ní' is more formal or literary, though it survives in common phrases like 'aon ní' and 'gach aon ní'.
Is this the same as the negative 'ní' in 'Ní thuigim'?
No. The negative particle 'ní' (as in 'Ní thuigim', I don't understand) is a different word that only looks the same; the noun 'ní' means 'thing'.
