HeyRuaHow to say “patron saint” in Irish
- Irish:
- éarlamh
- English:
- patron saint, patron
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AYR-luv” /ˈeːɾˠlˠəw/
- Plural:
- éarlaimh (patron saints)
- Genitive singular:
- éarlaimh, an éarlaimh (e.g. lá an éarlaimh, the patron saint's day)
- Genitive plural:
- éarlamh, na n-éarlamh (e.g. saol na n-éarlamh, the lives of the patron saints)
What does “éarlamh” mean?
“Éarlamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- patron saint
- A saint regarded as the special protector of a place, parish, church or group of people.Also: patron, protector saint.
1 other meaning: patron
- 2patron
- A person who supports or protects someone or something; a patron.Also: protector, sponsor.
“Éarlamh” with the article
The plural of patron saint in Irish is éarlaimh. Here is éarlamh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Éarlamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using éarlamh, the Irish word for patron saint.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Patron saint in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for patron saint?
The Irish for patron saint is éarlamh (pronounced “AYR-luv”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is éarlaimh. Depending on context it can also mean patron.
How do you pronounce éarlamh in Irish?
Éarlamh is said like “AYR-luv” (IPA /ˈeːɾˠlˠəw/).
What is the plural of patron saint in Irish?
The plural of éarlamh is éarlaimh; with the article, na héarlaimh means “the patron saints”. The genitive plural is éarlamh, as in saol na n-éarlamh (the lives of the patron saints).
Does éarlamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Éarlamh can mean patron saint or patron, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does éarlamh sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-éarlamh (the patron saint), a héarlamh (her patron saint), a n-éarlamh (their patron saint), na héarlaimh (the patron saints).
What is the difference between 'éarlamh' and 'pátrún'?
'Éarlamh' is the patron saint himself or herself, while 'pátrún' is the pattern, the festival held on the patron saint's day.
