HeyRuaHow to say “lather” in Irish
- Irish:
- sobal
- English:
- lather, foam
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SUB-ul” /ˈsˠɔbˠəlˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- sobail, an tsobail (e.g. boladh an tsobail, the smell of the lather)
What does “sobal” mean?
“Sobal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lather
- The white foam made when soap is mixed with water.Also: suds, soapsuds, foam.
1 other meaning: foam
- 2foam
- A mass of small bubbles on a liquid, such as froth on the sea or on a drink.Also: froth, bubbles.
“Sobal” with the article
Here is sobal after the article (an t-alt).
“Sobal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sobal, the Irish word for lather.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lather in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lather?
The Irish for lather is sobal (pronounced “SUB-ul”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean foam.
How do you pronounce sobal in Irish?
Sobal is said like “SUB-ul” (IPA /ˈsˠɔbˠəlˠ/).
Does sobal have a plural?
No plural form is given for sobal in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does sobal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sobal can mean lather or foam, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sobal change to shobal?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shobal. After ár (our) it stays ár sobal, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'sobal' and 'cúr'?
'Sobal' is mainly soap lather or suds, while 'cúr' is more general foam or froth, for example on the sea or on beer. They overlap in meaning.
How do you say 'soap opera' in Irish?
Use 'sobalchlár' or 'sobaldráma', both built on 'sobal'.
