uimhir — meaning in English: number

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'uimhir' when discussing mathematics, giving directions, or referring to phone numbers. For instance, in a shop when asking for a receipt, one might say, 'Cén uimhir atá ar an gcuóta?' meaning 'What number is on the bill?'

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'líon', which also means 'number' but is more often used to imply a count or quantity, such as in 'líon na ndaoine' (number of people). 'Uimhir' is preferred when referring to specific identifiers, like a phone number or a mathematical numeral.

Culture

'Uimhir' originates from the Latin word 'numerus', signifying its long-standing ties to counting and record-keeping. In Irish culture, numbers often hold significance in folklore, with certain numbers being considered lucky or unlucky, influencing local superstitions.

FAQ