Citizen in Irish (Saoránach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for citizen?

The Irish for citizen is saoránach (pronounced “SEE-raw-nukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is saoránaigh. Depending on context it can also mean civilian.

Q: What is the plural of citizen in Irish?

The plural of saoránach is saoránaigh; with the article, na saoránaigh means “the citizens”. The genitive plural is saoránach, as in cearta na saoránach (the rights of citizens).

Q: Does saoránach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Saoránach can mean citizen or civilian, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “citizen” in Irish

Irish:: saoránach
English:: citizen, civilian
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “SEE-raw-nukh” /ˈsˠiːɾˠaːn̪ˠəx/

Various forms

Plural:: saoránaigh (citizens)
Genitive singular:: saoránaigh, an tsaoránaigh (e.g. cearta an tsaoránaigh, the rights of the citizen)
Genitive plural:: saoránach, na saoránach (e.g. cearta na saoránach, the rights of citizens)

What does “saoránach” mean?

“Saoránach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

citizen: A person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and duties of a member of that state.Also: national, subject.

1 other meaning: civilian

2civilian: An ordinary person who is not a member of the armed forces or police.Also: private citizen.

“Saoránach” with the article

The plural of citizen in Irish is saoránaigh. Here is saoránach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an saoránach

the citizen

No change after an

na saoránaigh

the citizens

Plural: no change after na

“Saoránach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using saoránach, the Irish word for citizen.

Is saoránach Éireannach mé.

I am an Irish citizen.

Tá dualgais ar an saoránach chomh maith le cearta.

The citizen has duties as well as rights.

Níl na cearta céanna ag na hinimircigh agus atá ag na saoránaigh.

Immigrants do not have the same rights as citizens.

Tá suim mhór aici in iriseoireacht an tsaoránaigh.

She is very interested in citizen journalism.

Tá cearta ag gach saoránach sa tír.

Every citizen in the country has rights.

Rinneadh saoránach de m'athair anuraidh.

My father became a citizen last year.

Maraíodh go leor saoránach sa chogadh.

Many civilians were killed in the war.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Citizen in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for citizen?

The Irish for citizen is saoránach (pronounced “SEE-raw-nukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is saoránaigh. Depending on context it can also mean civilian.

How do you pronounce saoránach in Irish?

Saoránach is said like “SEE-raw-nukh” (IPA /ˈsˠiːɾˠaːn̪ˠəx/).

What is the plural of citizen in Irish?

The plural of saoránach is saoránaigh; with the article, na saoránaigh means “the citizens”. The genitive plural is saoránach, as in cearta na saoránach (the rights of citizens).

Does saoránach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Saoránach can mean citizen or civilian, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does saoránach change to shaoránach?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shaoránach. After ár (our) it stays ár saoránach, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the Irish for 'citizenship'?

Citizenship is 'saoránacht', as in 'saoránacht Éireannach', Irish citizenship.

Is 'saoránach' related to 'saor'?

Yes, it comes from 'saor', free, so a 'saoránach' is originally a free person of the state.

Citizen in Irish (Saoránach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage