HeyRuaHow to say “change” in Irish
- Irish:
- sóinseáil
- English:
- change
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SOHN-shawl” /ˈsoːnʲʃaːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- sóinseála, na sóinseála (e.g. mála sóinseála, bag of change)
What does “sóinseáil” mean?
- change
- Small money given back when you pay more than the price, or coins of low value.Also: small change, loose change, coins.
Other Irish words for change: athrú (change), athraigh (change), malairt (change), mionairgead (small change)
“Sóinseáil” with the article
Here is sóinseáil after the article (an t-alt).
“Sóinseáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sóinseáil, the Irish word for change.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Change in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for change?
The Irish for change is sóinseáil (pronounced “SOHN-shawl”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce sóinseáil in Irish?
Sóinseáil is said like “SOHN-shawl” (IPA /ˈsoːnʲʃaːlʲ/).
Does sóinseáil have a plural?
No plural form is given for sóinseáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does sóinseáil change to shóinseáil?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shóinseáil. After ár (our) it stays ár sóinseáil, because s does not take eclipsis.
Is there another Irish word for change (money)?
Yes, 'briseadh' is also used, as in 'briseadh punt' (change of a pound); 'sóinseáil' is a borrowing from English 'change' and refers only to money, not to change in the sense of alteration, which is 'athrú'.
