HeyRuaHow to say “greed” in Irish
- Irish:
- saint
- English:
- greed, eagerness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “santch” /sˠanʲtʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- sainte, na sainte (e.g. peaca na sainte, the sin of greed)
What does “saint” mean?
“Saint” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- greed
- An excessive desire for wealth, food or possessions.Also: avarice, covetousness, greediness.
“Saint” with the article
Here is saint after the article (an t-alt).
“Saint” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using saint, the Irish word for greed.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Greed in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for greed?
The Irish for greed is saint (pronounced “santch”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean eagerness.
How do you pronounce saint in Irish?
Saint is said like “santch” (IPA /sˠanʲtʲ/).
Does saint have a plural?
No plural form is given for saint in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does saint have more than one meaning?
Yes. Saint can mean greed or eagerness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does saint change to shaint?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shaint. After ár (our) it stays ár saint, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between saint and craos?
Saint is greed or covetousness in general, especially for wealth, while craos is gluttony, greed for food and drink.
How do I say someone is greedy?
Use the adjective santach, as in 'Tá sé santach', or say 'Tá saint air'.
