HeyRuaHow to say “old person” in Irish
- Irish:
- seanóir
- English:
- old person, elder, alderman
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-ohr” /ˈʃanˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- seanóirí (old people)
- Genitive singular:
- seanóra, an tseanóra (e.g. teach an tseanóra, the old man's house)
- Genitive plural:
- seanóirí, na seanóirí (e.g. comhairle na seanóirí, the council of the elders)
What does “seanóir” mean?
“Seanóir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- old person
- An elderly person, especially an old man.Also: elder, old man, senior citizen, old-timer.
2 other meanings: elder or alderman
- 2elder
- A senior member of a community, church or council who holds authority because of age or experience.Also: senior, elder statesman.
- 3alderman
- A senior member of a city or borough council.Also: alderwoman, councillor.
Other Irish words for old person: seanduine (old person)
“Seanóir” with the article
The plural of old person in Irish is seanóirí. Here is seanóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seanóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seanóir, the Irish word for old person.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Old person in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for old person?
The Irish for old person is seanóir (pronounced “SHAN-ohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seanóirí. Depending on context it can also mean elder or alderman.
How do you pronounce seanóir in Irish?
Seanóir is said like “SHAN-ohr” (IPA /ˈʃanˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of old person in Irish?
The plural of seanóir is seanóirí; with the article, na seanóirí means “the old people”. The genitive plural is seanóirí, as in comhairle na seanóirí (the council of the elders).
Does seanóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seanóir can mean old person, elder or alderman, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seanóir change to sheanóir?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheanóir. After ár (our) it stays ár seanóir, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'seanóir' and 'seanduine'?
'Seanduine' is the everyday word for an old person, while 'seanóir' often carries a sense of respect, like an elder of a community.
