HeyRuaHow to say “light” in Irish
- Irish:
- soilseán
- English:
- light, floodlight
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SIL-shawn” /ˈsˠɪlʲʃaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- soilseáin (lights)
- Genitive singular:
- soilseáin, an tsoilseáin (e.g. gile an tsoilseáin, the brightness of the light)
- Genitive plural:
- soilseán, na soilseán (e.g. suíomh na soilseán, the position of the lights)
What does “soilseán” mean?
“Soilseán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- light
- A small light or illuminating device, such as a lamp or an indicator light.Also: small light, lamp, indicator light, illuminator.
“Soilseán” with the article
The plural of light in Irish is soilseáin. Here is soilseán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Soilseán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using soilseán, the Irish word for light.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Light in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for light?
The Irish for light is soilseán (pronounced “SIL-shawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is soilseáin. Depending on context it can also mean floodlight.
How do you pronounce soilseán in Irish?
Soilseán is said like “SIL-shawn” (IPA /ˈsˠɪlʲʃaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of light in Irish?
The plural of soilseán is soilseáin; with the article, na soilseáin means “the lights”. The genitive plural is soilseán, as in suíomh na soilseán (the position of the lights).
Does soilseán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Soilseán can mean light or floodlight, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does soilseán change to shoilseán?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shoilseán. After ár (our) it stays ár soilseán, because s does not take eclipsis.
How does soilseán differ from solas?
Solas is the general word for light, while soilseán is a specific lamp or light fitting, often an indicator light or floodlight.
