HeyRuaHow to say “old way of life” in Irish
- Irish:
- seansaol
- English:
- old way of life, old people
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-seel” /ˈʃanˌsˠiːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- seansaoil, an tseansaoil (e.g. nósanna an tseansaoil, customs of the old way of life)
What does “seansaol” mean?
“Seansaol” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- old way of life
- The traditional way of life of former times, especially as remembered by older people.Also: olden times, old days, traditional life, bygone days.
1 other meaning: old people
- 2old people
- The people of former times, the older generation who lived in the past.Also: people of long ago, older generation, old folk.
“Seansaol” with the article
Here is seansaol after the article (an t-alt).
“Seansaol” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seansaol, the Irish word for old way of life.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Old way of life in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for old way of life?
The Irish for old way of life is seansaol (pronounced “SHAN-seel”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean old people.
How do you pronounce seansaol in Irish?
Seansaol is said like “SHAN-seel” (IPA /ˈʃanˌsˠiːlʲ/).
Does seansaol have a plural?
No plural form is given for seansaol in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does seansaol have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seansaol can mean old way of life or old people, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seansaol change to sheansaol?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheansaol. After ár (our) it stays ár seansaol, because s does not take eclipsis.
How is 'seansaol' different from 'saol'?
'Saol' means life or the world in general, while 'seansaol' refers specifically to the old way of life of former times, as in 'sa seansaol' (in the old days).
