Possession in Irish (Seilbh): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for possession?

The Irish for possession is seilbh (pronounced “SHEL-iv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sealbha. Depending on context it can also mean property.

Q: What is the plural of possession in Irish?

The plural of seilbh is sealbha; with the article, na sealbha means “the possessions”. The genitive plural is sealbh, as in liosta na sealbh (the list of possessions).

Q: Does seilbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Seilbh can mean possession or property, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “possession” in Irish

Irish:: seilbh
English:: possession, property
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “SHEL-iv” /ʃɛlʲəvʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: sealbha (possessions)
Genitive singular:: seilbhe, na seilbhe (e.g. ceart seilbhe, right of possession)
Genitive plural:: sealbh, na sealbh (e.g. liosta na sealbh, the list of possessions)

What does “seilbh” mean?

“Seilbh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

possession: The state of having, holding or occupying something.Also: occupancy, ownership, holding.

1 other meaning: property

2property: Something that is owned, such as land or an estate.Also: estate, thing possessed, holding.

“Seilbh” with the article

The plural of possession in Irish is sealbha. Here is seilbh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tseilbh

the possession

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

na sealbha

the possessions

Plural: no change after na

“Seilbh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using seilbh, the Irish word for possession.

Gabhadh é agus gunna ina sheilbh aige.

He was arrested with a gun in his possession.

Bhí an t-imreoir i seilbh na liathróide.

The player was in possession of the ball.

Ghlac an stát seilbh ar an talamh.

The state took possession of the land.

Tá an teach i mo sheilbh anois.

The house is in my possession now.

Cuireadh as seilbh iad i lár an gheimhridh.

They were evicted in the middle of winter.

Fuair sé seilbh ar fheirm a athar.

He got possession of his father's farm.

Ní raibh aon cheart seilbhe aici ar an áit.

She had no right of possession to the place.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

díthlack ospidéalhospital tairbhebenefit cranntree árasánflat traeintrain

Possession in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for possession?

The Irish for possession is seilbh (pronounced “SHEL-iv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sealbha. Depending on context it can also mean property.

How do you pronounce seilbh in Irish?

Seilbh is said like “SHEL-iv” (IPA /ʃɛlʲəvʲ/).

What is the plural of possession in Irish?

The plural of seilbh is sealbha; with the article, na sealbha means “the possessions”. The genitive plural is sealbh, as in liosta na sealbh (the list of possessions).

Does seilbh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Seilbh can mean possession or property, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does seilbh change to sheilbh?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheilbh. After ár (our) it stays ár seilbh, because s does not take eclipsis.

How do I say something is in someone's possession?

Use i seilbh with a possessive: ina sheilbh aige 'in his possession', i mo sheilbh 'in my possession'.

What is the difference between seilbh and úinéireacht?

Seilbh is having or holding something, while úinéireacht is legal ownership; the two often overlap.

Possession in Irish (Seilbh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage