HeyRuaHow to say “ancestor” in Irish
- Irish:
- sinsear
- English:
- ancestor, elder
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHIN-shur” /ˈʃiːnʲʃəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- sinsir (ancestors)
- Genitive singular:
- sinsir, an tsinsir (e.g. teach an tsinsir, the house of the ancestor)
- Genitive plural:
- sinsear, na sinsear (e.g. tír na sinsear, the land of the ancestors)
What does “sinsear” mean?
“Sinsear” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ancestor
- A person from whom you are descended, usually more distant than a grandparent; in the plural, one's forebears.Also: forefather, forebear, progenitor.
1 other meaning: elder
- 2elder
- An older or senior person, someone who comes before others in age or rank.Also: senior, older person.
“Sinsear” with the article
The plural of ancestor in Irish is sinsir. Here is sinsear after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sinsear” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sinsear, the Irish word for ancestor.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ancestor in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ancestor?
The Irish for ancestor is sinsear (pronounced “SHIN-shur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sinsir. Depending on context it can also mean elder.
How do you pronounce sinsear in Irish?
Sinsear is said like “SHIN-shur” (IPA /ˈʃiːnʲʃəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of ancestor in Irish?
The plural of sinsear is sinsir; with the article, na sinsir means “the ancestors”. The genitive plural is sinsear, as in tír na sinsear (the land of the ancestors).
Does sinsear have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sinsear can mean ancestor or elder, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sinsear change to shinsear?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shinsear. After ár (our) it stays ár sinsear, because s does not take eclipsis.
Is 'sinsear' used in the singular?
It is mostly used in the plural, as in 'mo shinsir' (my ancestors) or 'na sinsir', though 'sinsear' singular means one ancestor.
What is the opposite of 'sinsir'?
The usual opposite is 'sliocht' (descendants) or 'na glúnta atá le teacht' (future generations).
