HeyRuaHow to say “drifting” in Irish
- Irish:
- síobadh
- English:
- drifting, drift, lift
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- síob, to blow away (ag síobadh, blowing away)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHEE-boo” /ˈʃiːbˠə/
- Genitive singular:
- síobtha, an tsíobtha (e.g. luas an tsíobtha, the speed of the drift)
What does “síobadh” mean?
“Síobadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- drifting
- The verbal noun of 'síob': the act of blowing, drifting or whirling along, as sand, snow or spray does in the wind.Also: drift, blowing, whirling.
2 other meanings: drift or lift
- 2drift
- A mass or movement of something, such as snow, sand or water, carried along by wind or current.Also: snowdrift, current drift.
- 3lift
- The act of giving someone a lift or carrying them along, as in a car.Also: ride, hitch.
“Síobadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, síobadh means blowing away: it is the verbal noun of the verb síob (to blow away). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Síobadh” with the article
Here is síobadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Síobadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using síobadh, the Irish word for drifting.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Drifting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for drifting?
The Irish for drifting is síobadh (pronounced “SHEE-boo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean drift or lift.
How do you pronounce síobadh in Irish?
Síobadh is said like “SHEE-boo” (IPA /ˈʃiːbˠə/).
Does síobadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for síobadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does síobadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Síobadh can mean drifting, drift or lift, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does síobadh change to shíobadh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shíobadh. After ár (our) it stays ár síobadh, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'blizzard' in Irish?
A common way is 'síobadh sneachta', literally a drifting of snow; 'stoirm shneachta' means a snowstorm.
What is the difference between 'síob' and 'síobadh'?
'Síob' is the verb (and also a noun meaning a lift or drift), while 'síobadh' is its verbal noun, used in 'ag síobadh', drifting.
