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Fright in Irish (Scéin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scéin’ also means: wild look

The Irish for fright is scéin, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “fright” in Irish

Irish:
scéin
English:
fright, wild look
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“shkayn”  /ʃceːnʲ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scéine, na scéine (e.g. fuacht na scéine, the chill of terror)

What does “scéin” mean?

“Scéin” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

fright
A sudden feeling of terror or fear.Also: terror, fear, scare.
1 other meaning: wild look
2wild look
A frightened or wild expression in the eyes or face.Also: frightened look, startled look.

Other Irish words for fright: eagla (fear), geit (start), scanradh (fright), panaic (panic)

“Scéin” with the article

Here is scéin after the article (an t-alt).

an scéin
the fright
No change after an

“Scéin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scéin, the Irish word for fright.

Bhí scéin ina súile nuair a chonaic sí é.
There was terror in her eyes when she saw him.
Chuir an toirneach scéin sna páistí.
The thunder frightened the children.
Tháinig scéin air nuair a chuala sé an torann.
He got a fright when he heard the noise.
D'imigh an scéin de nuair a las an solas.
His fright went away when the light came on.
Bhí scéin stáitse orm roimh an dráma.
I had stage fright before the play.
Bhí cuma na scéine ar a aghaidh.
His face had a look of terror.
Rith an madra leis le scéin.
The dog ran off in fright.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Fright in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fright?

The Irish for fright is scéin (pronounced “shkayn”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wild look.

How do you pronounce scéin in Irish?

Scéin is said like “shkayn” (IPA /ʃceːnʲ/).

Does scéin have a plural?

No plural form is given for scéin in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does scéin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scéin can mean fright or wild look, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How does 'scéin' differ from 'eagla'?

'Eagla' is the general word for fear, while 'scéin' is a sudden, intense fright or terror, often shown in the face: 'bhí scéin ina shúile'.

How do I say someone was terrified?

Use 'tháinig scéin air' (he became terrified) or 'chuir sé scéin orm' (it terrified me).

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