HeyRuaHow to say “young” in Irish
- Irish:
- óg
- English:
- young, junior, early
- Word type:
- adjective
- Younger:
- níos óige
- Youngest:
- is óige
- Plural:
- óga
- Pronunciation:
- “ogue” /oːɡ/
What does “óg” mean?
“Óg” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- young
- Not old; in the early part of life.Also: youthful, juvenile.
2 other meanings: junior or early
- 2junior
- Younger of two people with the same name, or lower in age grade.Also: younger, minor.
- 3early
- At an early stage, as in the early part of the day or night.Also: new, fresh.
“Óg” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is óg after fear (man, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, óga.
Younger, youngest, very young
Tá Peadar níos óige ná a dheartháir. Peadar is younger than his brother.
| younger | níos óige | in the past tense: ní b'óige |
|---|---|---|
| youngest | is óige | in the past tense: ab óige |
| as young as | chomh hóg le | chomh puts an h before a vowel |
| very young | an-óg | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too young | ró-óg | ró- lenites |
“Óg” 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.
Young in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for young?
The Irish for young is óg (pronounced “ogue”). It comes after the noun: fear óg, a young man; bean óg, a young woman.
How do you say younger and youngest in Irish?
níos óige is younger and is óige is youngest. In the past tense they become ní b'óige and ab óige.
What is the plural of óg?
With a plural noun óg becomes óga: fir óga, mná óga.
How do you say very young in Irish?
an-óg. Too young is ró-óg, and as young as is chomh hóg le.
Does óg have more than one meaning?
Yes. Óg can mean young, junior or early, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the opposite of 'óg'?
The usual opposite is 'sean' (old), which goes before the noun, as in 'seanfhear' (an old man), or 'aosta' (aged) after the noun.
What does 'Óg' mean after a name?
After a name, 'Óg' means junior, as in 'Seán Óg', to distinguish a son from his father of the same name.
