HeyRuaHow to say “health” in Irish
- Irish:
- sláinte
- English:
- health, toast
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SLAWN-tchuh” /ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/
- Plural:
- sláintí
- Genitive singular:
- sláinte, na sláinte (e.g. cúrsaí na sláinte, matters of health)
- Genitive plural:
- sláintí, na sláintí (e.g. ag ól na sláintí, drinking the toasts)
What does “sláinte” mean?
“Sláinte” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- health
- The condition of a person's body and mind, especially being free from illness.Also: wellbeing, good health, fitness.
1 other meaning: toast
- 2toast
- A wish for someone's good health said when drinking, as in 'sláinte a ól' (to drink a toast).Also: cheers, health (toast).
“Sláinte” with the article
The plural of health in Irish is sláintí. Here is sláinte after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sláinte” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sláinte, the Irish word for health.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “sláinte”
Health in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for health?
The Irish for health is sláinte (pronounced “SLAWN-tchuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sláintí. Depending on context it can also mean toast.
How do you pronounce sláinte in Irish?
Sláinte is said like “SLAWN-tchuh” (IPA /ˈsˠl̪ˠɑːnʲtʲə/).
What is the plural of health in Irish?
The plural of sláinte is sláintí; with the article, it is na sláintí. The genitive plural is sláintí, as in ag ól na sláintí (drinking the toasts).
Does sláinte have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sláinte can mean health or toast, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sláinte change to shláinte?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shláinte. After ár (our) it stays ár sláinte, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'cheers' in Irish?
Say 'Sláinte!' or 'Sláinte mhaith!'; a common reply is 'Sláinte na bhfear agus go maire na mná go deo!'
How do I say someone is healthy?
Irish says the person has health: 'Tá a shláinte aige' (he is healthy) or 'Tá sí i mbarr na sláinte' (she is in the best of health).
