HeyRuaHow to say “wisdom” in Irish
- Irish:
- eagna
- English:
- wisdom, intelligence
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AG-nuh” /ˈaɡnˠə/
- Plural:
- eagnaí (wisdoms)
- Genitive singular:
- eagna, na heagna (e.g. leabhar na heagna, the book of wisdom)
- Genitive plural:
- eagnaí, na n-eagnaí (e.g. foinse na n-eagnaí, the source of the wisdoms)
What does “eagna” mean?
“Eagna” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wisdom
- Deep understanding and good judgement gained from knowledge and experience.Also: sagacity, learning, enlightenment.
1 other meaning: intelligence
- 2intelligence
- The power of the mind to understand and reason; intellect.Also: intellect, understanding, reason.
Other Irish words for wisdom: críonnacht (prudence), gaois (wisdom)
“Eagna” with the article
The plural of wisdom in Irish is eagnaí. Here is eagna after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Eagna” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eagna, the Irish word for wisdom.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wisdom in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wisdom?
The Irish for wisdom is eagna (pronounced “AG-nuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is eagnaí. Depending on context it can also mean intelligence.
How do you pronounce eagna in Irish?
Eagna is said like “AG-nuh” (IPA /ˈaɡnˠə/).
What is the plural of wisdom in Irish?
The plural of eagna is eagnaí; with the article, na heagnaí means “the wisdoms”. The genitive plural is eagnaí, as in foinse na n-eagnaí (the source of the wisdoms).
Does eagna have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eagna can mean wisdom or intelligence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does eagna sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eagna (the wisdom), a heagna (her wisdom), a n-eagna (their wisdom), na heagnaí (the wisdoms).
What is the difference between 'eagna' and 'gaois'?
Both mean wisdom, but 'eagna' is more literary and suggests deep or spiritual wisdom, while 'gaois' is the everyday word for shrewdness or good sense.
