HeyRuaHow to say “imagining” in Irish
- Irish:
- samhlú
- English:
- imagining, likening, simulation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- samhlaigh, to imagine (ag samhlú, imagining)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SOW-loo” /ˈsˠaulˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- samhlaithe, an tsamhlaithe (e.g. cumas samhlaithe, power of imagination)
What does “samhlú” mean?
“Samhlú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- imagining
- The act of picturing something in the mind; the verbal noun of the verb samhlaigh.Also: imagination, visualization, envisaging.
2 other meanings: likening or simulation
- 2likening
- The act of comparing or associating one thing with another; the verbal noun of samhlaigh in the sense 'liken, associate'.Also: comparing, associating, comparison.
- 3simulation
- The imitation of a process or situation, for example by computer, for study or training.Also: modelling.
“Samhlú” as a verbal noun
After ag, samhlú means imagining: it is the verbal noun of the verb samhlaigh (to imagine). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Samhlú” with the article
Here is samhlú after the article (an t-alt).
“Samhlú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using samhlú, the Irish word for imagining.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Imagining in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for imagining?
The Irish for imagining is samhlú (pronounced “SOW-loo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean likening or simulation.
How do you pronounce samhlú in Irish?
Samhlú is said like “SOW-loo” (IPA /ˈsˠaulˠuː/).
Does samhlú have a plural?
No plural form is given for samhlú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does samhlú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Samhlú can mean imagining, likening or simulation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does samhlú change to shamhlú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shamhlú. After ár (our) it stays ár samhlú, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between samhlú and samhlaíocht?
Samhlú is the act of imagining (verbal noun of samhlaigh), while samhlaíocht is imagination as a faculty: tá samhlaíocht mhaith aici, 'she has a good imagination'.
How do I say 'associate something with something' using this verb?
Use samhlaigh with le: samhlaítear an dath glas le hÉirinn, 'the colour green is associated with Ireland'.
