Ireland’s native language continues to gain attention thanks to West Belfast hip-hop trio Kneecap. So, we thought we’d reveal some of our favourite Irish words that don’t exist in English.
An ancient Celtic language spoken by around 1.8 million people today, the Irish language is beautiful and poetic –– but relatively difficult for non-native speakers to grasp.
From its complex grammar to its unfamiliar pronunciation of letter combinations like ‘bh’ and ‘gh’, the language can confuse those who didn’t grow up learning it.
Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn some Irish words. The language is rich and poetic, and deeply rooted in nature and Irish culture, making it a true wonder to discover.
So, here are some of our favourite Irish words that don’t translate to English. Why not start incorporating them into your everyday conversation?
Airneánach (ARR-nen-ech) – a night visitor
Airneán or airneál refers to the tradition whereby everyone in a village or town would turn up at one local person’s home for an evening of music and entertainment.
A participant in one of the evenings is called an ‘airneánach. However, this word can also refer to someone who stays up or works late into the night.
Aiteall (AT-ell) – nice weather between rain
The weather is often a central topic of conversation in Ireland. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the language boasts its own words for specific weather phenomena.
‘Aiteall’ is a sweet Irish word that describes a period of nice weather between two showers of rain.
Bachram (BOCH-rum) – boisterous behaviour
Another one of our favourite Irish words that don’t translate to English is bachram.
Most often meaning ‘boisterous behaviour’, bachram can also be used to describe a sudden downpour of rain.
Bothántaíocht (BOCH-an-TI-ucht) – calling up the neighbours for a gossip
There’s no denying the Irish are fond of a bit of gossip.
So, ‘bothántaíocht’ originates from ‘bothán’, which means hut or cabin. It is used to describe calling on your neighbors to catch up on the latest gossip.
Camhanaich (kav’-an-ach) – early morning twilight
You know that period of the morning where it isn’t quite daylight but there’s still enough light to sit outside and witness the early morning dew? That’s camhanaich.
Clagarnach (CLOY-ger-nach) – clattering
The closest English translation for clagarnach is ‘clattering’. However, this unique Irish word is most often used to describe the sound of heavy rain on a rooftop.
Gliondar (gl-EEN-der) – pure joy
Perhaps most similar to the idea of ‘glee’, Gliondar is one of the most beautiful Irish words that don’t translate to English.
It refers to concepts like delight or happiness. Gliondar is often used in phrases like “cuireann sin gliondar ar mo chroí” meaning “that makes my heart glad”.
Plobaireacht (PLOH-ber-acht) – blubbering, excessive talking
You know when someone asks you if you’re ok when you’re very much NOT OK, and it just sets you off into a fit of tears but you want to explain why? That’s plobaireacht.
Plobaireacht describes that very specific scenario when you’re bawling your eyes out and trying to speak at the same time but just can’t make yourself clear. Almost like ‘blubbering’ or ‘spluttering’.
Pocléimnigh (POH-claim-nee) – jumping for joy
Sounds like the Irish are a very emotional bunch with all these words for specific emotional states, doesn’t it?
Pocléimnigh could be most closely translated to the word ‘frolicking’ in English.
However, its true meaning refers to an explosive and excitable leap into the air. Literally, a jump for joy.
Ragaire (RA-gerra) – late-night wandering
Ragaireacht is an Irish word used to describe the act of late-night wandering. It can also be used to describe sitting up and talking long into the early hours.
A ragaire is someone who enjoys doing just that.
Sceitimíní (skay-tee-mee-nee) – pure, rapturous excitement
Sceitimíní is another word that refers to a very specific emotion in Irish but doesn’t have a direct translation in English.
Do you want to describe that feeling of rapturous excitement or ecstasy that almost feels like an electric tingling over your entire body? If so, you’d use ‘sceitimíní’.
Síobhraí (sheev-ree) – a mythical atmosphere
Playing into Ireland’s heritage of myth and folklore, síobhraí refers to a distinct faint, ghostly mist that creates a mystical, almost otherworldly, atmosphere.
Due to Ireland’s rich heritage and links to folklore and the supernatural, this word is one of the most unique words in the language. Even the sound of it evokes a mystical, ghostly feeling.
Suaimhneas (soo-a-m-nyas) – a sense of calm, peace, and tranquility
Another one of our favourite Irish words that don’t translate to English is suaimhneas.
It is used to describe that feeling of inner calm or contentment that comes from things like watching a sunset or enjoying your first sip of tea in the morning.
Sgriob (sh-REEV) – the itchiness of the upper lip just before taking a sip of whiskey
Yes, really.
It’s no secret that the Irish are fond of a drink – especially if that drink is whiskey (which, side note, is often described as ‘uisce beatha’ or ‘water of life’).
So, are we really surprised that there’s a phrase as gaelige that is used to describe the anticipatory itchiness of the upper lip that comes just before your first sip of whiskey?
Spéirbhean (spare-van) – a woman as beautiful as the whole sky
The Irish certainly are charmers – and the beautiful word ‘spéirbhean’ proves just that.
This stunning word is made up of two separate words – spear, which means sky, and bean, which means woman.
Combined, it literally means ‘a woman as beautiful as the whole sky’.
Bringing together their appreciation for nature and beauty, being called a spéirbhean by an Irish lad is quite the compliment.
Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam – a country without a language is a country without a soul
Last but not least, we wanted to highlight one of the most beautiful phrases that shows the deep connection between the language and the country’s cultural identity.
Meaning “a country without a language is a country without a soul,” the phrase highlights the importance of the Irish language to Ireland’s history, story, and core being.
As one of the oldest languages in Europe, aside from Ancient Greek and Roman, Irish has a rich history that tells the island’s fascinating story throughout time.
The culture is so richly entwined with storytelling and folklore. So, it is unsurprising that the language is central to that.
