HeyRuaHow to say “folktale” in Irish
- Irish:
- seanscéal
- English:
- folktale, old story
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-shkyayl” /ˈʃanˠˌʃceːlˠ/
- Plural:
- seanscéalta (folktales)
- Genitive singular:
- seanscéil, an tseanscéil (e.g. tús an tseanscéil, the beginning of the folktale)
- Genitive plural:
- seanscéalta, na seanscéalta (e.g. leabhar na seanscéalta, the book of folktales)
What does “seanscéal” mean?
“Seanscéal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- folktale
- An old traditional story handed down by word of mouth, often about heroes, magic or the distant past.Also: legend, old story, tale, folk story.
1 other meaning: old story
- 2old story
- A story, excuse or joke that has been told so often that people are tired of it.Also: chestnut, old chestnut, stale story.
“Seanscéal” with the article
The plural of folktale in Irish is seanscéalta. Here is seanscéal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seanscéal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seanscéal, the Irish word for folktale.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Folktale in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for folktale?
The Irish for folktale is seanscéal (pronounced “SHAN-shkyayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seanscéalta. Depending on context it can also mean old story.
How do you pronounce seanscéal in Irish?
Seanscéal is said like “SHAN-shkyayl” (IPA /ˈʃanˠˌʃceːlˠ/).
What is the plural of folktale in Irish?
The plural of seanscéal is seanscéalta; with the article, na seanscéalta means “the folktales”. The genitive plural is seanscéalta, as in leabhar na seanscéalta (the book of folktales).
Does seanscéal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seanscéal can mean folktale or old story, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seanscéal change to sheanscéal?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheanscéal. After ár (our) it stays ár seanscéal, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between seanscéal and finscéal?
A seanscéal is a traditional folktale told orally, while a finscéal is a legend or fictional tale, and in modern use can also mean fiction or a myth.
Can seanscéal be used about a tired excuse?
Yes, 'Sin seanscéal' can mean 'That's an old story', said of something heard too often.
