HeyRuaHow to say “vain” in Irish
- Irish:
- uallach
- English:
- vain, giddy, wailing
- Word type:
- adjective
- Vainer:
- níos uallaí
- Vainest:
- is uallaí
- Plural:
- uallacha
- Pronunciation:
- “OO-uh-lukh” /ˈuəl̪ˠəx/
What does “uallach” mean?
“Uallach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- vain
- Proud of yourself or your appearance in a showy, conceited way.Also: proud, conceited, haughty.
2 other meanings: giddy or wailing
- 2giddy
- Light-headed and lively, not serious; of a horse, frisky and skittish.Also: skittish, frisky, flighty, light-headed.
- 3wailing
- Making loud cries or howls.Also: howling, yelling.
Other Irish adjectives for vain: leitheadach (conceited)
“Uallach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is uallach after capall (horse, masculine), after girseach (girl, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, uallacha.
Vainer, vainest, very vain
Tá sí níos uallaí ná a deirfiúr. She is vainer than her sister.
| vainer | níos uallaí | in the past tense: ní b'uallaí |
|---|---|---|
| vainest | is uallaí | in the past tense: ab uallaí |
| as vain as | chomh huallach le | chomh puts an h before a vowel |
| very vain | an-uallach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too vain | ró-uallach | ró- lenites |
“Uallach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Vain in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for vain?
The Irish for vain is uallach (pronounced “OO-uh-lukh”). It comes after the noun: capall uallach, a vain horse; girseach uallach, a vain girl.
How do you say vainer and vainest in Irish?
níos uallaí is vainer and is uallaí is vainest. In the past tense they become ní b'uallaí and ab uallaí.
What is the plural of uallach?
With a plural noun uallach becomes uallacha: capaill uallacha, girseacha uallacha.
How do you say very vain in Irish?
an-uallach. Too vain is ró-uallach, and as vain as is chomh huallach le.
Does uallach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uallach can mean vain, giddy or wailing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is 'uallach' the same as 'ualach'?
No. 'Ualach' with one l is a noun meaning a load or burden, while 'uallach' is an adjective meaning vain, proud or giddy.
