HeyRuaHow to say “thinning” in Irish
- Irish:
- tanú
- English:
- thinning, dilution
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- tanaigh, to thin (ag tanú, thinning)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TAN-oo” /ˈt̪ˠanˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- tanaithe, an tanaithe (e.g. próiseas an tanaithe, the process of thinning)
What does “tanú” mean?
“Tanú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- thinning
- The verbal noun of 'tanaigh': the act of making something thinner or less dense.Also: making thin, attenuation.
1 other meaning: dilution
- 2dilution
- The act of weakening a liquid by adding water or another liquid to it.Also: diluting, watering down.
“Tanú” as a verbal noun
After ag, tanú means thinning: it is the verbal noun of the verb tanaigh (to thin). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Tanú” with the article
Here is tanú after the article (an t-alt).
“Tanú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tanú, the Irish word for thinning.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Thinning in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for thinning?
The Irish for thinning is tanú (pronounced “TAN-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean dilution.
How do you pronounce tanú in Irish?
Tanú is said like “TAN-oo” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠanˠuː/).
Does tanú have a plural?
No plural form is given for tanú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does tanú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tanú can mean thinning or dilution, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tanú change to thanú or dtanú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tanú becomes mo thanú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtanú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tanú' and 'caolú'?
Both can mean thinning or diluting; 'caolú' is often used for diluting liquids or narrowing, while 'tanú' stresses making something thin or sparse, as in 'tanú gruaige' (thinning of hair).
