Gale in Irish (Sonnghaoth): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for gale?

The Irish for gale is sonnghaoth (pronounced “SUN-ghee”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “gale” in Irish

Irish:: sonnghaoth
English:: gale
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “SUN-ghee” /ˈsˠʊnˌɣiː/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: sonnghaoithe, na sonnghaoithe (e.g. rabhadh sonnghaoithe, gale warning)

What does “sonnghaoth” mean?

gale: A very strong wind, stronger than a breeze but less than a storm.Also: strong wind, high wind.

Other Irish words for gale: gála (gale)

“Sonnghaoth” with the article

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

an tsonnghaoth

the gale

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

“Sonnghaoth” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sonnghaoth, the Irish word for gale.

Tá sonnghaoth ag séideadh ón iarthar anocht.

A gale is blowing from the west tonight.

Thit an crann sa tsonnghaoth aréir.

The tree fell in the gale last night.

Eisíodh rabhadh sonnghaoithe do na cóstaí uile.

A gale warning was issued for all coasts.

D'fhan na báid sa chuan mar gheall ar an tsonnghaoth.

The boats stayed in the harbour because of the gale.

Bhí an tsonnghaoth róláidir le dul amach.

The gale was too strong to go out.

Táthar ag súil le sonnghaoth amárach.

A gale is expected tomorrow.

Chuala mé neart na sonnghaoithe ar an díon.

I heard the force of the gale on the roof.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Gale in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gale?

The Irish for gale is sonnghaoth (pronounced “SUN-ghee”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce sonnghaoth in Irish?

Sonnghaoth is said like “SUN-ghee” (IPA /ˈsˠʊnˌɣiː/).

Does sonnghaoth have a plural?

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

Why does sonnghaoth change to shonnghaoth?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shonnghaoth. After ár (our) it stays ár sonnghaoth, because s does not take eclipsis.

How does 'sonnghaoth' differ from 'gála' and 'stoirm'?

'Sonnghaoth' is the formal term for a gale, used especially in weather forecasts, while 'gála' is a common everyday alternative; 'stoirm' is a storm, which is stronger.

Gale in Irish (Sonnghaoth): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage