HeyRuaHow to say “drift” in Irish
- Irish:
- síobán
- English:
- drift, blown spray
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “shee-BAWN” /ʃiːˈbˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- síobáin (drifts)
- Genitive singular:
- síobáin, an tsíobáin (e.g. barr an tsíobáin, the top of the snowdrift)
- Genitive plural:
- síobán, na síobán (e.g. airde na síobán, the height of the snowdrifts)
What does “síobán” mean?
“Síobán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- drift
- A heap of snow or sand piled up by the wind.Also: snowdrift, sand drift, heap of snow.
1 other meaning: blown spray
- 2blown spray
- Snow, sand or spray being blown along by the wind.Also: blown snow, drifting snow, spindrift, spray.
“Síobán” with the article
The plural of drift in Irish is síobáin. Here is síobán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Síobán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using síobán, the Irish word for drift.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Drift in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for drift?
The Irish for drift is síobán (pronounced “shee-BAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is síobáin. Depending on context it can also mean blown spray.
How do you pronounce síobán in Irish?
Síobán is said like “shee-BAWN” (IPA /ʃiːˈbˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of drift in Irish?
The plural of síobán is síobáin; with the article, na síobáin means “the drifts”. The genitive plural is síobán, as in airde na síobán (the height of the snowdrifts).
Does síobán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Síobán can mean drift or blown spray, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does síobán change to shíobán?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shíobán. After ár (our) it stays ár síobán, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'snowdrift' in Irish?
Say 'síobán sneachta', or the word 'ráthóg sneachta' is also used.
