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Clarification in Irish (Soiléiriú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘soiléiriú’ also means: brightening

The Irish for clarification is soiléiriú, a masculine noun. Ag soiléiriú is clarifying, from the verb soiléirigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “clarification” in Irish

Irish:
soiléiriú
English:
clarification, brightening
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
soiléirigh, to clarify (ag soiléiriú, clarifying)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“SIL-ay-roo”  /ˈsˠɛlʲeːɾʲuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
soiléirithe, an tsoiléirithe (e.g. cúis an tsoiléirithe, the reason for the clarification)

What does “soiléiriú” mean?

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

clarification
The act of making something clear or easier to understand; verbal noun of the verb soiléirigh.Also: clarifying, elucidation, explanation.
1 other meaning: brightening
2brightening
The act of making something bright or clear, such as light or a liquid; verbal noun of soiléirigh.Also: clearing, clarifying.

“Soiléiriú” as a verbal noun

After ag, soiléiriú means clarifying: it is the verbal noun of the verb soiléirigh (to clarify). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
soiléiriúverbal noun
=
ag soiléiriúclarifying

“Soiléiriú” with the article

Here is soiléiriú after the article (an t-alt).

an soiléiriú
the clarification
No change after an

“Soiléiriú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using soiléiriú, the Irish word for clarification.

Tá soiléiriú ag teastáil ar an bpointe sin.
That point needs clarification.
D'iarr sí soiléiriú ar an múinteoir.
She asked the teacher for clarification.
Thug an t-aire soiléiriú ar an scéal inné.
The minister clarified the matter yesterday.
Bhí an soiléiriú sin an-úsáideach dom.
That clarification was very useful to me.
Táimid ag fanacht ar shoiléiriú ón gcomhairle.
We are waiting for clarification from the council.
Fuaireamar soiléiriú ón mbanc inniu.
We got clarification from the bank today.
Is gá soiléiriú a dhéanamh ar na rialacha.
The rules need to be clarified.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Clarification in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for clarification?

The Irish for clarification is soiléiriú (pronounced “SIL-ay-roo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean brightening.

How do you pronounce soiléiriú in Irish?

Soiléiriú is said like “SIL-ay-roo” (IPA /ˈsˠɛlʲeːɾʲuː/).

Does soiléiriú have a plural?

No plural form is given for soiléiriú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does soiléiriú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Soiléiriú can mean clarification or brightening, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does soiléiriú change to shoiléiriú?

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

How do I ask for clarification in Irish?

Say 'Ba mhaith liom soiléiriú a fháil ar sin' or ask for 'soiléiriú ar' the point in question.

What is the difference between soiléiriú and míniú?

Míniú is a general explanation, while soiléiriú is specifically making something unclear clear.

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