HeyRuaHow to say “November” in Irish
- Irish:
- Samhain
- English:
- November, Samhain
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SOW-in” /sˠəunʲ/
- Plural:
- Samhnacha (Novembers)
- Genitive singular:
- Samhna, na Samhna (e.g. Mí na Samhna, the month of November)
- Genitive plural:
- Samhnacha, na Samhnacha (e.g. cuimhní na Samhnacha, memories of past Novembers)
What does “Samhain” mean?
“Samhain” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- November
- The eleventh month of the year, usually called Mí na Samhna in Irish.Also: month of November.
1 other meaning: Samhain
- 2Samhain
- The ancient Celtic festival marking the start of winter, held at the beginning of November, the origin of Halloween.Also: Halloween, all saints' Day, Celtic festival, first of November.
“Samhain” with the article
The plural of November in Irish is Samhnacha. Here is Samhain after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Samhain” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Samhain, the Irish word for November.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
November in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for November?
The Irish for November is Samhain (pronounced “SOW-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is Samhnacha. Depending on context it can also mean Samhain.
How do you pronounce Samhain in Irish?
Samhain is said like “SOW-in” (IPA /sˠəunʲ/).
What is the plural of November in Irish?
The plural of Samhain is Samhnacha; with the article, na Samhnacha means “the Novembers”. The genitive plural is Samhnacha, as in cuimhní na Samhnacha (memories of past Novembers).
Does Samhain have more than one meaning?
Yes. Samhain can mean November or Samhain, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Samhain change to Shamhain?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo Shamhain. After ár (our) it stays ár Samhain, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'in November' in Irish?
Say 'i mí na Samhna', using the genitive Samhna after 'mí na'.
What is Halloween in Irish?
Halloween is 'Oíche Shamhna', literally the night of Samhain.
