HeyRuaHow to say “illumination” in Irish
- Irish:
- soilsiú
- English:
- illumination, enlightenment
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- soilsigh, to light up (ag soilsiú, lighting up)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “sil-SHOO” /sˠɪlʲˈʃuː/
- Genitive singular:
- soilsithe, an tsoilsithe (e.g. córas an tsoilsithe, the lighting system)
What does “soilsiú” mean?
“Soilsiú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- illumination
- The act of lighting something up or giving it light; the verbal noun of the verb soilsigh.Also: lighting, shining, lighting up.
1 other meaning: enlightenment
- 2enlightenment
- Clarity of mind or spiritual understanding, as when someone is enlightened.Also: clarification, understanding.
“Soilsiú” as a verbal noun
After ag, soilsiú means lighting up: it is the verbal noun of the verb soilsigh (to light up). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Soilsiú” with the article
Here is soilsiú after the article (an t-alt).
“Soilsiú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using soilsiú, the Irish word for illumination.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Illumination in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for illumination?
The Irish for illumination is soilsiú (pronounced “sil-SHOO”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean enlightenment.
How do you pronounce soilsiú in Irish?
Soilsiú is said like “sil-SHOO” (IPA /sˠɪlʲˈʃuː/).
Does soilsiú have a plural?
No plural form is given for soilsiú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does soilsiú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Soilsiú can mean illumination or enlightenment, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does soilsiú change to shoilsiú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shoilsiú. After ár (our) it stays ár soilsiú, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between soilsiú and solas?
Solas is light itself, while soilsiú is lighting or illumination, the act or arrangement of providing light, e.g. soilsiú an tseomra, the lighting of the room.
