HeyRuaHow to say “old custom” in Irish
- Irish:
- sean-nós
- English:
- old custom, traditional style
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-nohs” /ˈʃanˌn̪ˠoːsˠ/
- Plural:
- sean-nósanna (old customs)
- Genitive singular:
- sean-nóis, an tsean-nóis (e.g. amhránaí sean-nóis, a sean-nós singer)
- Genitive plural:
- sean-nósanna, na sean-nósanna (e.g. cuimhne na sean-nósanna, the memory of the old customs)
What does “sean-nós” mean?
“Sean-nós” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- old custom
- A custom or way of doing things that has been handed down from long ago.Also: old tradition, old way, tradition.
1 other meaning: traditional style
- 2traditional style
- The traditional style of Irish singing or dancing, especially unaccompanied solo singing (amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós).Also: sean-nós, traditional singing, old style.
“Sean-nós” with the article
The plural of old custom in Irish is sean-nósanna. Here is sean-nós after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sean-nós” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sean-nós, the Irish word for old custom.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Old custom in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for old custom?
The Irish for old custom is sean-nós (pronounced “SHAN-nohs”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is sean-nósanna. Depending on context it can also mean traditional style.
How do you pronounce sean-nós in Irish?
Sean-nós is said like “SHAN-nohs” (IPA /ˈʃanˌn̪ˠoːsˠ/).
What is the plural of old custom in Irish?
The plural of sean-nós is sean-nósanna; with the article, na sean-nósanna means “the old customs”. The genitive plural is sean-nósanna, as in cuimhne na sean-nósanna (the memory of the old customs).
Does sean-nós have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sean-nós can mean old custom or traditional style, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sean-nós change to shean-nós?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shean-nós. After ár (our) it stays ár sean-nós, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say someone sings sean-nós?
Use 'ar an sean-nós': 'Canann sí ar an sean-nós' means she sings in the sean-nós style.
What is the difference between 'nós' and 'sean-nós'?
'Nós' is any custom or habit, while 'sean-nós' is an old, traditional custom, and especially the traditional style of singing or dancing.
