HeyRuaHow to say “chicken” in Irish
- Irish:
- sicín
- English:
- chicken, chicken (meat)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shih-KEEN” /ʃɪˈciːnʲ/
- Plural:
- sicíní (chickens)
- Genitive singular:
- sicín, an tsicín (e.g. cos an tsicín, the chicken's leg)
- Genitive plural:
- sicíní, na sicíní (e.g. ag tógáil sicíní, rearing chickens)
What does “sicín” mean?
“Sicín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- chicken
- A domestic fowl, especially a young one, kept for its eggs and meat.Also: chick, hen, fowl.
“Sicín” with the article
The plural of chicken in Irish is sicíní. Here is sicín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sicín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sicín, the Irish word for chicken.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Chicken in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for chicken?
The Irish for chicken is sicín (pronounced “shih-KEEN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sicíní. Depending on context it can also mean chicken (meat).
How do you pronounce sicín in Irish?
Sicín is said like “shih-KEEN” (IPA /ʃɪˈciːnʲ/).
What is the plural of chicken in Irish?
The plural of sicín is sicíní; with the article, na sicíní means “the chickens”. The genitive plural is sicíní, as in ag tógáil sicíní (rearing chickens).
Does sicín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sicín can mean chicken or chicken (meat), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sicín change to shicín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shicín. After ár (our) it stays ár sicín, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'sicín' and 'cearc'?
'Cearc' is a hen, an adult female bird, while 'sicín' is a chicken or young bird and is the usual word for the meat.
