HeyRuaHow to say “knife” in Irish
- Irish:
- scian
- English:
- knife, cleaver, surgeon's knife
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shkee-un” /ʃciən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- sceana (knives)
- Genitive singular:
- scine, na scine (e.g. faobhar na scine, the knife's edge)
- Genitive plural:
- sceana, na sceana (e.g. tarraiceán na sceana, the knife drawer)
What does “scian” mean?
“Scian” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- knife
- A tool with a sharp blade and a handle, used for cutting.Also: blade, cutting tool.
2 other meanings: cleaver or surgeon's knife
- 2cleaver
- A heavy knife-edged instrument for chopping, such as a cleaver or chopper.Also: chopper.
- 3surgeon's knife
- The surgeon's knife, used figuratively for a surgical operation, as in 'dul faoi scian'.Also: operation, surgery.
Other Irish words for knife: miodóg (dagger)
“Scian” with the article
The plural of knife in Irish is sceana. Here is scian after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Scian” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using scian, the Irish word for knife.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Knife in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for knife?
The Irish for knife is scian (pronounced “shkee-un”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sceana. Depending on context it can also mean cleaver or surgeon's knife.
How do you pronounce scian in Irish?
Scian is said like “shkee-un” (IPA /ʃciən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of knife in Irish?
The plural of scian is sceana; with the article, na sceana means “the knives”. The genitive plural is sceana, as in tarraiceán na sceana (the knife drawer).
Does scian have more than one meaning?
Yes. Scian can mean knife, cleaver or surgeon's knife, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What does 'dul faoi scian' mean?
'Dul faoi scian' literally means to go under the knife, that is, to have a surgical operation.
What is a small knife or scalpel called?
A scalpel or small knife is 'sceanóg', and a penknife is 'scian phóca'.
