Predicament in Irish (Sáinn): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for predicament?

The Irish for predicament is sáinn (pronounced “saw-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sáinneacha. Depending on context it can also mean corner or check.

Q: What is the plural of predicament in Irish?

The plural of sáinn is sáinneacha; with the article, na sáinneacha means “the predicaments”. The genitive plural is sáinneacha, as in éalú na sáinneacha (escape from the predicaments).

Q: Does sáinn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sáinn can mean predicament, corner or check, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “predicament” in Irish

Irish:: sáinn
English:: predicament, corner, check
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “saw-in” /sˠaːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: sáinneacha (predicaments)
Genitive singular:: sáinne, na sáinne (e.g. as lár na sáinne, out of the predicament)
Genitive plural:: sáinneacha, na sáinneacha (e.g. éalú na sáinneacha, escape from the predicaments)

What does “sáinn” mean?

“Sáinn” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

predicament: A difficult situation that is hard to get out of, a fix or a tight spot.Also: fix, tight spot, dilemma, trap.

2 other meanings: corner or check

2corner: A corner, nook or recess, especially one where someone or something can be trapped.Also: nook, recess, inlet.
3check: In chess, the position in which a king is under direct attack.

Other Irish words for predicament: cruachás (predicament), faopach (predicament)

“Sáinn” with the article

The plural of predicament in Irish is sáinneacha. Here is sáinn after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tsáinn

the predicament

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

na sáinneacha

the predicaments

Plural: no change after na

“Sáinn” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sáinn, the Irish word for predicament.

Tá mé i sáinn cheart anois.

I'm in a real fix now.

Chuir an cheist sin i sáinn é.

That question put him in a tight spot.

Fuair sí bealach amach as an tsáinn.

She found a way out of the predicament.

Ní fhaca mé aon éalú ón tsáinn.

I saw no escape from the trap.

Bhí an madra rua i sáinn ag na gadhair.

The fox was cornered by the hounds.

Tá go leor sáinneacha sa saol.

There are plenty of tight spots in life.

Sáinn! Bog do rí.

Check! Move your king.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Predicament in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for predicament?

The Irish for predicament is sáinn (pronounced “saw-in”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sáinneacha. Depending on context it can also mean corner or check.

How do you pronounce sáinn in Irish?

Sáinn is said like “saw-in” (IPA /sˠaːnʲ/).

What is the plural of predicament in Irish?

The plural of sáinn is sáinneacha; with the article, na sáinneacha means “the predicaments”. The genitive plural is sáinneacha, as in éalú na sáinneacha (escape from the predicaments).

Does sáinn have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sáinn can mean predicament, corner or check, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does sáinn change to sháinn?

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

How do I say someone is cornered or in a fix?

Use 'i sáinn': 'tá sé i sáinn' means he is in a fix, and 'cuir i sáinn' means to corner someone. The verb 'sáinnigh' also means to corner or trap.

What is the difference between 'sáinn' and 'cruachás'?

Both mean a difficult situation, but 'sáinn' suggests being trapped or cornered, while 'cruachás' stresses hardship or distress.

Predicament in Irish (Sáinn): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage