HeyRuaHow to say “light” in Irish
- Irish:
- solas
- English:
- light, enlightenment
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SUL-us” /ˈsˠʊl̪ˠəsˠ/
- Plural:
- soilse (lights)
- Genitive singular:
- solais, an tsolais (e.g. teach solais, lighthouse)
- Genitive plural:
- soilse, na soilse (e.g. lasc na soilse, the light switch)
What does “solas” mean?
“Solas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- light
- The brightness that lets you see, from the sun, a fire or a lamp.Also: brightness, daylight, illumination.
“Solas” with the article
The plural of light in Irish is soilse. Here is solas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Solas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using solas, 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 solas (pronounced “SUL-us”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is soilse. Depending on context it can also mean enlightenment.
How do you pronounce solas in Irish?
Solas is said like “SUL-us” (IPA /ˈsˠʊl̪ˠəsˠ/).
What is the plural of light in Irish?
The plural of solas is soilse; with the article, na soilse means “the lights”. The genitive plural is soilse, as in lasc na soilse (the light switch).
Does solas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Solas can mean light or enlightenment, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does solas change to sholas?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sholas. After ár (our) it stays ár solas, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'turn on' and 'turn off' the light?
Use 'las an solas' to turn it on and 'múch an solas' to turn it off.
What does 'ag dul ó sholas' mean?
It means it is getting dark, literally 'going from light'.
