HeyRuaHow to say “acquisition” in Irish
- Irish:
- sealbhú
- English:
- acquisition, occupation, language acquisition
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- sealbhaigh, to possess (ag sealbhú, possessing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “shal-uh-VOO” /ʃalˠəˈwuː/
- Genitive singular:
- sealbhaithe, an tsealbhaithe (e.g. próiseas sealbhaithe, the acquisition process)
What does “sealbhú” mean?
“Sealbhú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- acquisition
- The act of gaining possession of something, the verbal noun of the verb sealbhaigh (possess, acquire).Also: acquiring, possessing, taking possession.
2 other meanings: occupation or language acquisition
- 2occupation
- The act of occupying or taking over property or territory.Also: occupancy, appropriation, seizure.
- 3language acquisition
- In linguistics, the process of acquiring a language, as in sealbhú teanga.Also: acquisition of language.
“Sealbhú” as a verbal noun
After ag, sealbhú means possessing: it is the verbal noun of the verb sealbhaigh (to possess). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Sealbhú” with the article
Here is sealbhú after the article (an t-alt).
“Sealbhú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sealbhú, the Irish word for acquisition.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Acquisition in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for acquisition?
The Irish for acquisition is sealbhú (pronounced “shal-uh-VOO”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean occupation or language acquisition.
How do you pronounce sealbhú in Irish?
Sealbhú is said like “shal-uh-VOO” (IPA /ʃalˠəˈwuː/).
Does sealbhú have a plural?
No plural form is given for sealbhú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does sealbhú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sealbhú can mean acquisition, occupation or language acquisition, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sealbhú change to shealbhú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shealbhú. After ár (our) it stays ár sealbhú, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between sealbhú and seilbh?
Seilbh means possession as a state (tá sé i mo sheilbh, it is in my possession), while sealbhú is the act of acquiring or taking possession.
