HeyRuaHow to say “zero” in Irish
- Irish:
- nialas
- English:
- zero
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “NEE-uh-lus” /ˈnʲiəl̪ˠəsˠ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- nialais, an nialais (e.g. luach nialais, a value of zero)
What does “nialas” mean?
- zero
- The number zero or nought; nothing in a count or score.Also: nought, nil, nothing.
Other Irish words for zero: náid (zero)
“Nialas” with the article
Here is nialas after the article (an t-alt).
an nialas
the zero
No change after an
“Nialas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using nialas, the Irish word for zero.
Scríobh nialas sa bhosca sin.
Write zero in that box.
Bhí an teocht faoi bhun nialais aréir.
The temperature was below zero last night.
Bhí an scór ag nialas a haon ag leath ama.
The score was one nil at half time.
Is é nialas an uimhir is lú anseo.
Zero is the smallest number here.
Fuair mé nialas sa scrúdú, faraor.
I got zero in the exam, unfortunately.
Cuir an nialas roimh an uimhir.
Put the zero before the number.
Tá iarmhéid mo chuntais ag nialas.
My account balance is at zero.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Zero in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for zero?
The Irish for zero is nialas (pronounced “NEE-uh-lus”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce nialas in Irish?
Nialas is said like “NEE-uh-lus” (IPA /ˈnʲiəl̪ˠəsˠ/).
Does nialas have a plural?
No plural form is given for nialas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
What is the difference between nialas and náid?
Both mean zero; nialas is the standard term in maths and temperatures, while náid is often used for scores and is common in speech.
