HeyRuaHow to say “boss” in Irish
- Irish:
- saoiste
- English:
- boss, straw seat, roller
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SEESH-tyuh” /ˈsˠiːʃtʲə/
- Plural:
- saoistí (bosses)
- Genitive singular:
- saoiste, an tsaoiste (e.g. oifig an tsaoiste, the boss's office)
- Genitive plural:
- saoistí, na saoistí (e.g. cruinniú na saoistí, the meeting of the bosses)
What does “saoiste” mean?
“Saoiste” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- boss
- A person in charge of a group of workers, such as a foreman or ganger.Also: ganger, gaffer, foreman, overseer.
2 other meanings: straw seat or roller
- 2straw seat
- A low seat or hassock made of plaited straw or rushes.Also: hassock, pouf, rush seat.
- 3roller
- A long, heavy swelling wave at sea.Also: swell, long wave.
Other Irish words for boss: bainisteoir (manager), máistir (master), fostóir (employer), bas (boss)
“Saoiste” with the article
The plural of boss in Irish is saoistí. Here is saoiste after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Saoiste” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using saoiste, the Irish word for boss.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Boss in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for boss?
The Irish for boss is saoiste (pronounced “SEESH-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is saoistí. Depending on context it can also mean straw seat or roller.
How do you pronounce saoiste in Irish?
Saoiste is said like “SEESH-tyuh” (IPA /ˈsˠiːʃtʲə/).
What is the plural of boss in Irish?
The plural of saoiste is saoistí; with the article, na saoistí means “the bosses”. The genitive plural is saoistí, as in cruinniú na saoistí (the meeting of the bosses).
Does saoiste have more than one meaning?
Yes. Saoiste can mean boss, straw seat or roller, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does saoiste change to shaoiste?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shaoiste. After ár (our) it stays ár saoiste, because s does not take eclipsis.
Is 'saoiste' the usual word for a boss?
'Saoiste' is the traditional word for a foreman or ganger and is used informally for 'boss'; in formal contexts 'bainisteoir' (manager) or 'fostóir' (employer) may be more fitting.
