HeyRuaHow to say “lullaby” in Irish
- Irish:
- seoithín
- English:
- lullaby, lulling
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHOH-heen” /ˈʃoːhiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- seoithíní (lullabies)
- Genitive singular:
- seoithín, an tseoithín (e.g. fonn an tseoithín, the tune of the lullaby)
- Genitive plural:
- seoithíní, na seoithíní (e.g. leabhar na seoithíní, the book of lullabies)
What does “seoithín” mean?
“Seoithín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lullaby
- A soft, gentle song sung to soothe a child to sleep.Also: cradle song, hushaby, sleep song.
1 other meaning: lulling
- 2lulling
- The act of soothing or rocking a child to sleep with soft sounds.Also: soothing, hushing.
Other Irish words for lullaby: suantraí (lullaby)
“Seoithín” with the article
The plural of lullaby in Irish is seoithíní. Here is seoithín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seoithín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seoithín, the Irish word for lullaby.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lullaby in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lullaby?
The Irish for lullaby is seoithín (pronounced “SHOH-heen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seoithíní. Depending on context it can also mean lulling.
How do you pronounce seoithín in Irish?
Seoithín is said like “SHOH-heen” (IPA /ˈʃoːhiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of lullaby in Irish?
The plural of seoithín is seoithíní; with the article, na seoithíní means “the lullabies”. The genitive plural is seoithíní, as in leabhar na seoithíní (the book of lullabies).
Does seoithín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seoithín can mean lullaby or lulling, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seoithín change to sheoithín?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheoithín. After ár (our) it stays ár seoithín, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between seoithín and suantraí?
Both mean lullaby. Suantraí is the more literary term, also one of the three strains of Irish music, while seoithín comes from the soothing refrain 'seoithín seó' sung to babies.
