HeyRuaHow to say “greenfinch” in Irish
- Irish:
- glasán
- English:
- greenfinch, coalfish, sea lettuce
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GLAS-awn” /ˈɡl̪ˠasˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- glasáin (greenfinches)
- Genitive singular:
- glasáin, an ghlasáin (e.g. cleití an ghlasáin, the greenfinch's feathers)
- Genitive plural:
- glasán, na nglasán (e.g. ceol na nglasán, the song of the greenfinches)
What does “glasán” mean?
“Glasán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- greenfinch
- A small greenish-yellow songbird of the finch family, also called glasán darach.Also: finch, green linnet.
2 other meanings: coalfish or sea lettuce
- 2coalfish
- A young coalfish or pollack, a greenish sea fish caught near the shore.Also: pollack, saithe, green fish.
- 3sea lettuce
- A bright green edible seaweed found on rocks by the shore.Also: green seaweed, laver.
“Glasán” with the article
The plural of greenfinch in Irish is glasáin. Here is glasán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Glasán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using glasán, the Irish word for greenfinch.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Greenfinch in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for greenfinch?
The Irish for greenfinch is glasán (pronounced “GLAS-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is glasáin. Depending on context it can also mean coalfish or sea lettuce.
How do you pronounce glasán in Irish?
Glasán is said like “GLAS-awn” (IPA /ˈɡl̪ˠasˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of greenfinch in Irish?
The plural of glasán is glasáin; with the article, na glasáin means “the greenfinches”. The genitive plural is glasán, as in ceol na nglasán (the song of the greenfinches).
Does glasán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Glasán can mean greenfinch, coalfish or sea lettuce, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does glasán change to ghlasán or nglasán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) glasán becomes mo ghlasán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nglasán (eclipsis).
Does glasán always mean a bird?
No. Glasán can mean a greenfinch, a young coalfish, or sea lettuce, all named for their green colour (glas). Context tells you which; for the bird, glasán darach is the fuller name.
