HeyRuaHow to say “fairy” in Irish
- Irish:
- síogaí
- English:
- fairy, puny person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHEE-uh-gee” /ˈʃiːəɡiː/
- Plural:
- síogaithe (fairies)
- Genitive singular:
- síogaí, an tsíogaí (e.g. sciatháin an tsíogaí, the fairy's wings)
- Genitive plural:
- síogaithe, na síogaithe (e.g. scéalta síogaithe, fairy stories)
What does “síogaí” mean?
“Síogaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fairy
- A small supernatural being from folklore; a fairy or elf.Also: elf, sprite, pixie.
1 other meaning: puny person
- 2puny person
- A small, weak or stunted person, especially a sickly child thought to be a changeling.Also: weakling, changeling, runt.
Other Irish words for fairy: sióg (fairy), leipreachán (leprechaun)
“Síogaí” with the article
The plural of fairy in Irish is síogaithe. Here is síogaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Síogaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using síogaí, the Irish word for fairy.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fairy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fairy?
The Irish for fairy is síogaí (pronounced “SHEE-uh-gee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is síogaithe. Depending on context it can also mean puny person.
How do you pronounce síogaí in Irish?
Síogaí is said like “SHEE-uh-gee” (IPA /ˈʃiːəɡiː/).
What is the plural of fairy in Irish?
The plural of síogaí is síogaithe; with the article, na síogaithe means “the fairies”. The genitive plural is síogaithe, as in scéalta síogaithe (fairy stories).
Does síogaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Síogaí can mean fairy or puny person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does síogaí change to shíogaí?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shíogaí. After ár (our) it stays ár síogaí, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'síogaí' and 'sióg'?
Both mean fairy; 'sióg' is the more common everyday word, while 'síogaí' is masculine and can also describe a puny or sickly person.
