HeyRuaHow to say “Englishman” in Irish
- Irish:
- Sacsanach
- English:
- Englishman, Saxon
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SAK-sun-ukh” /ˈsˠakˠsˠənˠəx/
- Plural:
- Sacsanaigh (Englishmen)
- Genitive singular:
- Sacsanaigh, an tSacsanaigh (e.g. teach an tSacsanaigh, the Englishman's house)
- Genitive plural:
- Sacsanach, na Sacsanach (e.g. teanga na Sacsanach, the language of the English)
What does “Sacsanach” mean?
“Sacsanach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- Englishman
- A person from England; an English person.Also: English person, Englishwoman, English.
1 other meaning: Saxon
- 2Saxon
- A member of the ancient Germanic people, the Saxons, or historically an Anglo-Saxon.Also: Anglo-Saxon.
“Sacsanach” with the article
The plural of Englishman in Irish is Sacsanaigh. Here is Sacsanach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sacsanach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Sacsanach, the Irish word for Englishman.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Englishman in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for Englishman?
The Irish for Englishman is Sacsanach (pronounced “SAK-sun-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is Sacsanaigh. Depending on context it can also mean Saxon.
How do you pronounce Sacsanach in Irish?
Sacsanach is said like “SAK-sun-ukh” (IPA /ˈsˠakˠsˠənˠəx/).
What is the plural of Englishman in Irish?
The plural of Sacsanach is Sacsanaigh; with the article, na Sacsanaigh means “the Englishmen”. The genitive plural is Sacsanach, as in teanga na Sacsanach (the language of the English).
Does Sacsanach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sacsanach can mean Englishman or Saxon, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Sacsanach change to Shacsanach?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo Shacsanach. After ár (our) it stays ár Sacsanach, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between Sacsanach and Sasanach?
Sasanach is the usual everyday word for an English person, while Sacsanach also means a Saxon and is used more in historical or literary contexts. Both can mean an Englishman.
