FaclairDictionary EnglishGàidhlig

NN NN

Let’s have a look at how to pronounce the double N (nn) sounds in Gaelic.

The double N has a broad or slender sound, depending on whether the vowel that comes before it is broad (a, o, u) or slender (e, i). The broad nn can be heard in ceann (a head):

nn

ceann mòr

a big head

The broad nn can also be heard in peann (a pen):

peann

a pen

The slender nn can be heard in linn (a century):

nn

linn

a century

linn Bhictoria

Victorian era

Both broad and slender nn sounds can be heard in the phrase “fonn binn” (a sweet tune):

fonn

a tune

binn

melodious

fonn binn

a sweet tune