Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA |
|---|---|
| álainn | /ˈɑːl̪ˠɪɲ/ (Cork, Waterford) /ˈɑːl̪ˠənʲ/ (Kerry) |
| spéiriúil | |
| dathúil | /ˈd̪ˠahuːlʲ/ (Cois Fharraige) /ˈd̪ˠauːlʲ/ (Cois Fharraige) |
| galánta | /ɡaˈl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠt̪ˠə/ (Munster) /ˈɡalˠɑːn̪ˠt̪ˠə/ (Connacht) |
Álainn is a straightforward translation of "beautiful" and is used for people, places, things and abstract concepts like music or language. To express the idea of "gorgeous" or to say something was done "beautifully", you can use the phrase go hálainn. If you want to refer to the noun "beauty", use áilleacht. Note that the word breá is used for a milder sense of "fine" or "nice".
Which one should you use?
While álainn is the most versatile and common term, other words offer more specific nuances. Dathúil is used for physical attractiveness, often implying a pleasant or "pretty" appearance. Spéiriúil carries a stronger connotation of being visually striking or stunning. For men, galánta is used to describe someone who is handsome, dashing or well-dressed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective álainn is indeclinable, which means it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɑːl̪ˠɪɲ/
Did you know?
- The word spéiriúil is quite poetic because it is directly derived from the word for 'sky', meaning 'heavenly' or 'sky-like'.
- The word dathúil comes from dath, meaning 'color'. In Irish, calling someone pretty is etymologically linked to them being 'colorful'.
Examples in context
- Tá páirc álainn i lár an bhaile.There is a beautiful park in the center of the town.This sentence uses álainn to describe a park.Tatoeba #5015987 by cailleachnangadhair, translation #5678800 by zzxjoanw
- Tá mó dheirfiúr álainn.My sister is beautiful.This sentence uses álainn to describe a sister.Tatoeba #6031882 by Djd_9, translation #7001865 by Darragh_jd
- Is teanga álainn í an Ghaeilge.Irish is a beautiful language.This sentence uses álainn to describe a language.Tatoeba #2951314 by _Brighid_, translation #2714870 by CN
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Niamh and Cian are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- NiamhAn bhfuil an phictiúr seo álainn?Is this picture beautiful?
- CianTá, tá sé an-álainn.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- NiamhIs maith liom an dath álainn sin.I like that beautiful color.
- CianTá tú ceart, a Niamh.You are right, Niamh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries álainn, spéiriúil, dathúil, galánta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dathúil, galánta, spéiriúil, álainn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
