amadán
/(ə)mˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
The Irish word for idiot is amadán.
amadán is a noun used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Which one should you use?
The related form amadáinín is used to call someone a silly person or a fool in a less severe way.
How does it change in a sentence?
amadán is a masculine noun. Its plural form is amadáin.
How do you pronounce it?
/(ə)mˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- The word amadán is built from amaid, which specifically means a 'foolish woman', and a masculine suffix. This effectively creates the word 'idiot' by turning a feminine term into a masculine diminutive.
- In many Irish-speaking communities, calling someone an amadán can sometimes be used in a playful or teasing manner between friends, rather than as a serious insult.
- While amadán is the standard word for 'idiot', Irish has several other terms for fools based on specific types of stupidity, such as being gullible or socially clumsy.
Examples in context
- Is amadán é mo dheartháir.My brother is an idiot.This sentence is useful for saying that someone is an amadán.Tatoeba #10317435 by koala, translation #401444 by CM
- Is amadán thú.You're an idiot.This sentence is useful for telling someone they are an amadán.Tatoeba #748612 by niq, translation #461945 by tamsanh
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Cathal and Saoirse are arguing about a bad decision.
- CathalChuir mé an uisce ar an gáire.I put the water on the fire.
- SaoirseIs amadán tú, a Chathaile!You are an idiot, Cathal!
- CathalNí raibh chomh cruas sin liom.Don't be so hard on me.
- SaoirseTá tú i gceist go hiontach.You are just wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries amadán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amadán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
