HeyRuaHow to say “device” in Irish
- Irish:
- seift
- English:
- device, makeshift
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shefch” /ʃɛfʲtʲ/
- Plural:
- seifteanna (devices)
- Genitive singular:
- seifte, na seifte (e.g. fear seifte, a resourceful man)
- Genitive plural:
- seifteanna, na seifteanna (e.g. úsáid na seifteanna, the use of the devices)
What does “seift” mean?
“Seift” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- device
- A clever plan or means of getting something done or getting out of a difficulty.Also: expedient, contrivance, resource, shift, trick.
“Seift” with the article
The plural of device in Irish is seifteanna. Here is seift after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seift” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seift, the Irish word for device.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Device in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for device?
The Irish for device is seift (pronounced “shefch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is seifteanna. Depending on context it can also mean makeshift.
How do you pronounce seift in Irish?
Seift is said like “shefch” (IPA /ʃɛfʲtʲ/).
What is the plural of device in Irish?
The plural of seift is seifteanna; with the article, na seifteanna means “the devices”. The genitive plural is seifteanna, as in úsáid na seifteanna (the use of the devices).
Does seift have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seift can mean device or makeshift, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seift change to sheift?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheift. After ár (our) it stays ár seift, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'seift' and 'cleas'?
'Seift' is a resourceful plan or expedient for solving a problem, while 'cleas' is more a trick or prank. Related words are 'seiftiúil' (resourceful) and 'seiftigh' (devise).
