HeyRuaHow to say “lenition” in Irish
- Irish:
- séimhiú
- English:
- lenition, mellowing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- séimhigh, to lenite (ag séimhiú, leniting)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAY-voo” /ˈʃeːvʲuː/
- Genitive singular:
- séimhithe, an tséimhithe (e.g. rialacha an tséimhithe, the rules of lenition)
What does “séimhiú” mean?
“Séimhiú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lenition
- The grammatical mutation in Irish that softens an initial consonant, usually shown in writing by adding h after it.Also: aspiration, softening, initial mutation.
1 other meaning: mellowing
- 2mellowing
- The act of softening or mellowing something; the verbal noun of the verb séimhigh.Also: softening, attenuation.
“Séimhiú” as a verbal noun
After ag, séimhiú means leniting: it is the verbal noun of the verb séimhigh (to lenite). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Séimhiú” with the article
Here is séimhiú after the article (an t-alt).
“Séimhiú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using séimhiú, the Irish word for lenition.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lenition in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lenition?
The Irish for lenition is séimhiú (pronounced “SHAY-voo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mellowing.
How do you pronounce séimhiú in Irish?
Séimhiú is said like “SHAY-voo” (IPA /ˈʃeːvʲuː/).
Does séimhiú have a plural?
No plural form is given for séimhiú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does séimhiú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Séimhiú can mean lenition or mellowing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does séimhiú change to shéimhiú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shéimhiú. After ár (our) it stays ár séimhiú, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between séimhiú and urú?
Séimhiú (lenition) adds h after a consonant, as in mo bhád, while urú (eclipsis) puts a letter before it, as in ár mbád.
How do I say a word is lenited?
You say tá séimhiú air, or use the verb: séimhítear an consan.
