rhain
Welsh
Etymology 1
From y rhai hyn (“these ones”).
Pronunciation
- (North Wales, standard) IPA(key): /r̥ai̯n/
- (North Wales, colloquial) IPA(key): /r̥ei̯n/, /hei̯n/
- (South Wales, standard) IPA(key): /r̥ai̯n/
- (South Wales, colloquial) IPA(key): /r̥ei̯n/, /rei̯n/
- Rhymes: -ai̯n
Pronoun
rhain pl
- these
Usage notes
- In standard Welsh, this occurs as y rhain with the definite article due its etymology. The article is dropped in colloquial language, which also prefers the diphthong /ei̯/.
Related terms
- rheina (“those”)
- rheini (“those”)
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Old Irish rigin.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /r̥ai̯n/
- Rhymes: -ai̯n
Adjective
rhain (feminine singular rhain, plural rhain, not comparable)
- stiff (of a corpse), rigid
Further reading
- R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “rhain”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies