HeyRuaHow to say “wailing” in Irish
- Irish:
- olagón
- English:
- wailing, lament
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OL-uh-gohn” /ˈɔləɡoːn/
- Plural:
- olagóin
- Genitive singular:
- olagóin, an olagóin (e.g. fuaim an olagóin, the sound of the wailing)
- Genitive plural:
- olagón, na n-olagón (e.g. glór na n-olagón, the noise of the wails)
What does “olagón” mean?
“Olagón” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wailing
- Loud crying and lamenting, especially out of grief.Also: wail, lamentation, keening.
1 other meaning: lament
- 2lament
- A mournful cry or song of grief for the dead or for a misfortune.Also: dirge, plaint.
“Olagón” with the article
The plural of wailing in Irish is olagóin. Here is olagón after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Olagón” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using olagón, the Irish word for wailing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wailing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wailing?
The Irish for wailing is olagón (pronounced “OL-uh-gohn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is olagóin. Depending on context it can also mean lament.
How do you pronounce olagón in Irish?
Olagón is said like “OL-uh-gohn” (IPA /ˈɔləɡoːn/).
What is the plural of wailing in Irish?
The plural of olagón is olagóin; with the article, it is na holagóin. The genitive plural is olagón, as in glór na n-olagón (the noise of the wails).
Does olagón have more than one meaning?
Yes. Olagón can mean wailing or lament, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does olagón sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-olagón (the wailing), a holagón (her wailing), a n-olagón (their wailing).
How is olagón different from caoineadh?
Caoineadh is the general word for crying or keening, including the traditional lament for the dead, while olagón stresses loud, wailing lamentation. They often occur together.
Can olagón mean complaining?
Yes, informally olagón can be used for moaning or whining about something, as in 'bíonn olagón air faoi gach rud'.
