HeyRuaHow to say “wonder” in Irish
- Irish:
- iontas
- English:
- wonder, surprise, curiosity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OON-tuss” /ˈuːn̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/
- Plural:
- iontais (wonders)
- Genitive singular:
- iontais, an iontais (e.g. cúis iontais, cause for wonder)
- Genitive plural:
- iontas, na n-iontas (e.g. seacht n-iontas an domhain, the seven wonders of the world)
What does “iontas” mean?
“Iontas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wonder
- A feeling of amazement, or something that causes amazement.Also: marvel, amazement, astonishment.
2 other meanings: surprise or curiosity
- 2surprise
- The feeling you have when something unexpected happens, or the unexpected thing itself.Also: shock, unexpected thing.
- 3curiosity
- Something strange or novel that people come to look at.Also: novelty, sight, strange thing.
Other Irish words for wonder: míorúilt (miracle)
“Iontas” with the article
The plural of wonder in Irish is iontais. Here is iontas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Iontas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using iontas, the Irish word for wonder.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wonder in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wonder?
The Irish for wonder is iontas (pronounced “OON-tuss”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is iontais. Depending on context it can also mean surprise or curiosity.
How do you pronounce iontas in Irish?
Iontas is said like “OON-tuss” (IPA /ˈuːn̪ˠt̪ˠəsˠ/).
What is the plural of wonder in Irish?
The plural of iontas is iontais; with the article, na hiontais means “the wonders”. The genitive plural is iontas, as in seacht n-iontas an domhain (the seven wonders of the world).
Does iontas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Iontas can mean wonder, surprise or curiosity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does iontas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-iontas (the wonder), a hiontas (her wonder), a n-iontas (their wonder), na hiontais (the wonders).
What is the difference between iontas and ionadh?
They mean much the same, wonder or surprise; ionadh is common in Ulster and Connacht, iontas more general. Both are used in 'bhí iontas/ionadh orm', I was surprised.
How do I say 'I wonder' using iontas?
Irish puts the feeling on you: 'tá iontas orm' means I am surprised or wondering, and 'ní haon iontas' means it's no wonder.
