HeyRuaHow to say “playing” in Irish
- Irish:
- seinm
- English:
- playing, warbling
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- seinn, to play (ag seinm, playing)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHEN-im” /ˈʃɛnʲəmʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- seanma, na seanma (e.g. stíl seanma an phíobaire, the piper's style of playing)
What does “seinm” mean?
“Seinm” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- playing
- The act of playing music or a musical instrument; the verbal noun of the verb seinn.Also: playing music, performance, sounding.
“Seinm” as a verbal noun
After ag, seinm means playing: it is the verbal noun of the verb seinn (to play). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Seinm” with the article
Here is seinm after the article (an t-alt).
“Seinm” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seinm, the Irish word for playing.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Playing in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for playing?
The Irish for playing is seinm (pronounced “SHEN-im”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean warbling.
How do you pronounce seinm in Irish?
Seinm is said like “SHEN-im” (IPA /ˈʃɛnʲəmʲ/).
Does seinm have a plural?
No plural form is given for seinm in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does seinm have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seinm can mean playing or warbling, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seinm change to sheinm?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheinm. After ár (our) it stays ár seinm, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'to play an instrument' in Irish?
Use seinn with the instrument: seinn ar an bhfidil or ag seinm ar an bhfidil, 'playing the fiddle'. For games and sport use imir, not seinn.
