HeyRuaHow to say “cheek” in Irish
- Irish:
- sotal
- English:
- cheek, arrogance
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SUH-tul” /ˈsˠɔt̪ˠəlˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- sotail, an tsotail (e.g. lán sotail, full of cheek)
What does “sotal” mean?
“Sotal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cheek
- Bold, disrespectful behaviour or talk, especially towards someone you should respect.Also: impudence, insolence, cheekiness, sauciness.
“Sotal” with the article
Here is sotal after the article (an t-alt).
“Sotal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sotal, the Irish word for cheek.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cheek in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cheek?
The Irish for cheek is sotal (pronounced “SUH-tul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean arrogance.
How do you pronounce sotal in Irish?
Sotal is said like “SUH-tul” (IPA /ˈsˠɔt̪ˠəlˠ/).
Does sotal have a plural?
No plural form is given for sotal in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does sotal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sotal can mean cheek or arrogance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sotal change to shotal?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shotal. After ár (our) it stays ár sotal, because s does not take eclipsis.
What adjective comes from 'sotal'?
The adjective is 'sotalach', meaning cheeky or impudent, as in 'páiste sotalach' (a cheeky child).
How is 'sotal' different from 'bród'?
'Bród' is usually positive pride, as in 'bród as do chlann', while 'sotal' is negative: cheek, insolence or arrogance.
