HeyRuaHow to say “time” in Irish
- Irish:
- uain
- English:
- time, turn, interval
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “oo-in” /uənʲ/
- Plural:
- uaineacha (times)
- Genitive singular:
- uaine, na huaine (e.g. teacht na huaine, the coming of the opportunity)
- Genitive plural:
- uaineacha, na n-uaineacha (e.g. ord na n-uaineacha, the order of turns)
What does “uain” mean?
“Uain” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- time
- Free or available time, an opportunity or opportune moment to do something.Also: free time, opportunity, chance, leisure.
“Uain” with the article
The plural of time in Irish is uaineacha. Here is uain after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uain” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uain, the Irish word for time.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Time in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for time?
The Irish for time is uain (pronounced “oo-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is uaineacha. Depending on context it can also mean turn or interval.
How do you pronounce uain in Irish?
Uain is said like “oo-in” (IPA /uənʲ/).
What is the plural of time in Irish?
The plural of uain is uaineacha; with the article, na huaineacha means “the times”. The genitive plural is uaineacha, as in ord na n-uaineacha (the order of turns).
Does uain have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uain can mean time, turn or interval, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uain sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an uain (the time), a huain (her time), a n-uain (their time), na huaineacha (the times).
What is the difference between 'uain' and 'am'?
'Am' is time in general, while 'uain' is available time or an opportunity, as in 'Níl uain agam' (I haven't time). 'Uain' also means a turn: 'd'uain féin' (your own turn).
