HeyRuaHow to say “old woman” in Irish
- Irish:
- seanchailleach
- English:
- old woman, old woman (of a man)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-khal-yukh” /ˈʃanˌxalʲəx/
- Plural:
- seanchailleacha (old women)
- Genitive singular:
- seanchaillí, na seanchaillí (e.g. teach na seanchaillí, the old woman's house)
- Genitive plural:
- seanchailleach, na seanchailleach (e.g. scéalta na seanchailleach, the old women's stories)
What does “seanchailleach” mean?
“Seanchailleach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- old woman
- An elderly woman; often used with a disparaging or affectionate tone.Also: crone, old hag, hag, old biddy.
“Seanchailleach” with the article
The plural of old woman in Irish is seanchailleacha. Here is seanchailleach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seanchailleach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seanchailleach, the Irish word for old woman.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Old woman in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for old woman?
The Irish for old woman is seanchailleach (pronounced “SHAN-khal-yukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is seanchailleacha. Depending on context it can also mean old woman (of a man).
How do you pronounce seanchailleach in Irish?
Seanchailleach is said like “SHAN-khal-yukh” (IPA /ˈʃanˌxalʲəx/).
What is the plural of old woman in Irish?
The plural of seanchailleach is seanchailleacha; with the article, na seanchailleacha means “the old women”. The genitive plural is seanchailleach, as in scéalta na seanchailleach (the old women's stories).
Does seanchailleach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seanchailleach can mean old woman or old woman (of a man), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seanchailleach change to sheanchailleach?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheanchailleach. After ár (our) it stays ár seanchailleach, because s does not take eclipsis.
How is 'seanchailleach' different from 'seanbhean'?
'Seanbhean' is the neutral, polite word for an old woman, while 'seanchailleach' is often disparaging, like 'old hag' or 'crone', though it can be affectionate.
Does 'cailleach' always mean witch?
No, 'cailleach' originally means an old woman or nun; the sense 'witch' is one use. 'Seanchailleach' usually just means old woman, often pejoratively.
