HeyRuaHow to say “marrow” in Irish
- Irish:
- smior
- English:
- marrow, pith, vigour
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “smir” /sˠmʲiɾˠ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- smeara, an smeara (e.g. cnámh smeara, marrowbone)
What does “smior” mean?
“Smior” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- marrow
- The soft fatty tissue inside bones.Also: bone marrow, marrowbone.
2 other meanings: pith or vigour
- 2pith
- The innermost or essential part of something; its core or best part.Also: core, essence, heart, quintessence.
- 3vigour
- Strength, vigour or spirit in a person.Also: strength, spirit, backbone.
“Smior” with the article
Here is smior after the article (an t-alt).
an smior
the marrow
No change after an
“Smior” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using smior, the Irish word for marrow.
Ghoin an masla go smior é.
The insult hurt him deeply.
Bhí mé fliuch go smior tar éis na báistí.
I was soaked to the bone after the rain.
Tá smior sa chnámh sin don anraith.
There is marrow in that bone for the soup.
Is Éireannach go smior é.
He is Irish to the core.
Bhain an slaghdán an smior asam.
The cold took the strength out of me.
Thug an madra cnámh smeara leis.
The dog took a marrowbone with him.
Chuaigh an fuacht go smior na gcnámh ionam.
The cold went right into my bones.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Marrow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for marrow?
The Irish for marrow is smior (pronounced “smir”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pith or vigour.
How do you pronounce smior in Irish?
Smior is said like “smir” (IPA /sˠmʲiɾˠ/).
Does smior have a plural?
No plural form is given for smior in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does smior have more than one meaning?
Yes. Smior can mean marrow, pith or vigour, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What does 'go smior' mean?
'Go smior' means to the core or deeply, as in 'fliuch go smior' (soaked to the bone) or 'Éireannach go smior' (Irish through and through).
