HeyRuaHow to say “polish” in Irish
- Irish:
- snasán
- English:
- polish, gloss
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SNAS-awn” /ˈsn̪ˠasˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- snasáin (polishes)
- Genitive singular:
- snasáin, an tsnasáin (e.g. boladh an tsnasáin, the smell of the polish)
- Genitive plural:
- snasán, na snasán (e.g. boladh na snasán, the smell of the polishes)
What does “snasán” mean?
“Snasán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- polish
- A substance you rub on shoes, furniture or floors to make them shine.Also: shoe polish, furniture polish, varnish.
“Snasán” with the article
The plural of polish in Irish is snasáin. Here is snasán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Snasán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using snasán, the Irish word for polish.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Polish in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for polish?
The Irish for polish is snasán (pronounced “SNAS-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is snasáin. Depending on context it can also mean gloss.
How do you pronounce snasán in Irish?
Snasán is said like “SNAS-awn” (IPA /ˈsn̪ˠasˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of polish in Irish?
The plural of snasán is snasáin; with the article, na snasáin means “the polishes”. The genitive plural is snasán, as in boladh na snasán (the smell of the polishes).
Does snasán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Snasán can mean polish or gloss, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does snasán change to shnasán?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shnasán. After ár (our) it stays ár snasán, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'snas' and 'snasán'?
'Snas' is the shine or gloss itself, while 'snasán' is usually the substance used to produce it, as in 'snasán bróg' (shoe polish).
