HeyRuaHow to say “tomb” in Irish
- Irish:
- tuama
- English:
- tomb, tombstone
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TOO-uh-muh” /ˈt̪ˠuəmˠə/
- Plural:
- tuamaí (tombs)
- Genitive singular:
- tuama, an tuama (e.g. doras an tuama, the door of the tomb)
- Genitive plural:
- tuamaí, na dtuamaí (e.g. ag tochailt tuamaí, excavating tombs)
What does “tuama” mean?
“Tuama” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tomb
- A grave or burial place, especially one with a monument or structure built over it.Also: grave, sepulchre, burial place.
1 other meaning: tombstone
- 2tombstone
- A stone or monument marking a grave.Also: gravestone, headstone.
Other Irish words for tomb: uaigh (grave)
“Tuama” with the article
The plural of tomb in Irish is tuamaí. Here is tuama after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tuama” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tuama, the Irish word for tomb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Tomb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tomb?
The Irish for tomb is tuama (pronounced “TOO-uh-muh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tuamaí. Depending on context it can also mean tombstone.
How do you pronounce tuama in Irish?
Tuama is said like “TOO-uh-muh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠuəmˠə/).
What is the plural of tomb in Irish?
The plural of tuama is tuamaí; with the article, na tuamaí means “the tombs”. The genitive plural is tuamaí, as in ag tochailt tuamaí (excavating tombs).
Does tuama have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tuama can mean tomb or tombstone, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tuama change to thuama or dtuama?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tuama becomes mo thuama (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtuama (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tuama' and 'uaigh'?
'Uaigh' is the ordinary word for a grave dug in the ground, while 'tuama' usually means a tomb or monument built over a burial, as in 'tuama pasáiste' (passage tomb).
