ealaín
/aˈl̪ˠiː/
The Irish word for art is ealaín.
ealaín refers to the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈl̪ˠiː/
Did you know?
- The word ealaín is actually the dative form of an older, now obsolete word ealadha.
- The root of ealaín is related to the concept of 'skill' which, in ancient Irish society, was the defining characteristic of the 'aos dána', or the 'people of skill'.
- While ealaín covers visual arts, a 'work of art' is often called saothar, a word that specifically denotes something carefully crafted or labored over.
Examples in context
- Is breá liom an ealaín.I love art.
- Tá an ealaín seo iontach.This art is wonderful.
Example conversation
Niamh and Oisín are visiting a gallery.
- NiamhBaigh an ealaín seo, a Oisín.Look at this art, Oisín.
- OisínTá sé an-álainn, a Niamh.It is very beautiful, Niamh.
- NiamhIs í an ealaín an rud is fearr liom.Art is the thing I like best.
- OisínTá mé ag setáil leis sin.I agree with that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ealaín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ealaín, CC BY-SA 4.0.
