HeyRuaHow to say “easy” in Irish
- Irish:
- saoráideach
- English:
- easy, easy-going
- Word type:
- adjective
- Easier:
- níos saoráidí
- Easiest:
- is saoráidí
- Plural:
- saoráideacha
- Pronunciation:
- “SEER-aw-jukh” /ˈsˠiːɾˠaːdʲəx/
What does “saoráideach” mean?
“Saoráideach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- easy
- Not difficult to do, done without much effort.Also: effortless, simple.
“Saoráideach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is saoráideach after saol (life, masculine), after obair (work, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: obair shaoráideach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: saol saoráideach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, saoráideacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: oibreacha saoráideacha.
Easier, easiest, very easy
Tá an bealach seo níos saoráidí ná an ceann eile. This way is easier than the other one.
| easier | níos saoráidí | in the past tense: ní ba shaoráidí |
|---|---|---|
| easiest | is saoráidí | in the past tense: ba shaoráidí |
| as easy as | chomh saoráideach le | no change after chomh |
| very easy | an-saoráideach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too easy | róshaoráideach | ró- lenites |
“Saoráideach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Easy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for easy?
The Irish for easy is saoráideach (pronounced “SEER-aw-jukh”). It comes after the noun: saol saoráideach, an easy life; obair shaoráideach, easy work.
How do you say easier and easiest in Irish?
níos saoráidí is easier and is saoráidí is easiest. In the past tense they become ní ba shaoráidí and ba shaoráidí.
Why does saoráideach become shaoráideach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So obair shaoráideach (easy work) but saol saoráideach (an easy life), because saol is masculine.
What is the plural of saoráideach?
With a plural noun saoráideach becomes saoráideacha: saolta saoráideacha, oibreacha saoráideacha.
How do you say very easy in Irish?
an-saoráideach. Too easy is róshaoráideach, and as easy as is chomh saoráideach le.
Does saoráideach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Saoráideach can mean easy or easy-going, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How does 'saoráideach' differ from 'éasca' and 'furasta'?
'Éasca' and 'furasta' are the most common words for easy; 'saoráideach' is less common and suggests ease and comfort, related to 'saoráid', facility or ease.
