HeyRuaHow to say “loy” in Irish
- Irish:
- láí
- English:
- loy
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “LAW-ee” /ˈl̪ˠaːiː/
Various forms
- Plural:
- lánta (loys)
- Genitive singular:
- láí, na láí (e.g. cos na láí, the handle of the loy)
- Genitive plural:
- lánta, na lánta (e.g. déantóir na lánta, the maker of the loys)
What does “láí” mean?
- loy
- A traditional narrow Irish spade with a footrest on one side, used for digging and making ridges.Also: spade, digging spade, Irish spade.
“Láí” with the article
The plural of loy in Irish is lánta. Here is láí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
an láí
the loy
No change after an
na lánta
the loys
Plural: no change after na
“Láí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using láí, the Irish word for loy.
Thóg sé láí as an scioból.
He took a loy out of the barn.
Bhí an láí ina seasamh in aice an dorais.
The loy was standing beside the door.
Bhris cos na láí agus é ag obair.
The handle of the loy broke while he was working.
Rinne siad na hiomairí leis an láí.
They made the ridges with the loy.
Tá dhá láí ag m'athair sa bhothán.
My father has two loys in the shed.
Chuir sé a chos ar mo láí agus bhain sé fód.
He put his foot on my loy and cut a sod.
Bíonn lánta le feiceáil i músaem na tuaithe.
Loys can be seen in the country life museum.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Loy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for loy?
The Irish for loy is láí (pronounced “LAW-ee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is lánta.
How do you pronounce láí in Irish?
Láí is said like “LAW-ee” (IPA /ˈl̪ˠaːiː/).
What is the plural of loy in Irish?
The plural of láí is lánta; with the article, na lánta means “the loys”. The genitive plural is lánta, as in déantóir na lánta (the maker of the loys).
What is the difference between láí and spád?
A láí is the traditional narrow Irish spade with a single footrest, while spád is the general word for a spade.
