HeyRuaHow to say “novel” in Irish
- Irish:
- uirscéal
- English:
- novel, fable
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “IR-shkayl” /ˈɪɾˠʃcejlˠ/
- Plural:
- uirscéalta (novels)
- Genitive singular:
- uirscéil, an uirscéil (e.g. teideal an uirscéil, the title of the novel)
- Genitive plural:
- uirscéalta, na n-uirscéalta (e.g. údar na n-uirscéalta, the author of the novels)
What does “uirscéal” mean?
“Uirscéal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- novel
- A long written story about imaginary people and events, published as a book.Also: fiction book, work of fiction.
“Uirscéal” with the article
The plural of novel in Irish is uirscéalta. Here is uirscéal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uirscéal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uirscéal, the Irish word for novel.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Novel in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for novel?
The Irish for novel is uirscéal (pronounced “IR-shkayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is uirscéalta. Depending on context it can also mean fable.
How do you pronounce uirscéal in Irish?
Uirscéal is said like “IR-shkayl” (IPA /ˈɪɾˠʃcejlˠ/).
What is the plural of novel in Irish?
The plural of uirscéal is uirscéalta; with the article, na huirscéalta means “the novels”. The genitive plural is uirscéalta, as in údar na n-uirscéalta (the author of the novels).
Does uirscéal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uirscéal can mean novel or fable, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uirscéal sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-uirscéal (the novel), a huirscéal (her novel), a n-uirscéal (their novel), na huirscéalta (the novels).
What is the difference between uirscéal and úrscéal?
Both mean 'novel'; úrscéal is the more usual modern form, while uirscéal is an accepted variant also found with the sense of a fable or tale.
How do I say 'short story' as opposed to novel?
A short story is gearrscéal, while a full-length novel is uirscéal or úrscéal.
