rionnag
/ˈrˠũn̪ˠak/
The Gaelic word for star is rionnag.
rionnag is the noun used in an astronomical sense to refer to a luminous celestial body made of plasma.
Meaning: (astronomy) a luminous celestial body made of plasma (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrˠũn̪ˠak/
Did you know?
- To describe a 'constellation', Gaelic does not simply pluralize rionnag but often uses a term meaning a 'gathering' or 'cluster' of stars.
- In many Gaelic dialects, the word rionnag can also be used to describe a person who is 'shining' or highly successful, much like calling someone a 'star' in English.
- If you want to say 'of the star', the spelling of rionnag undergoes a transformation into rionnaig, which can confuse learners expecting simple declension.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Finlay are looking at the night sky.
- EilidhSeall air an rionnag bhuailteach sin!Look at that bright star!
- FinlayTha i gu math sona.It is very beautiful.
- EilidhAn e sin rionnag nan soirbhise?Is that the star of service?
- FinlayChan eil mi cinnteach, Eilidh.I am not sure, Eilidh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rionnag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
