HeyRuaHow to say “proverb” in Irish
- Irish:
- seanfhocal
- English:
- proverb
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-ok-ul” /ˈʃanˠɔkəlˠ/
- Plural:
- seanfhocail (proverbs)
- Genitive singular:
- seanfhocail, an tseanfhocail (e.g. brí an tseanfhocail, the meaning of the proverb)
- Genitive plural:
- seanfhocal, na seanfhocal (e.g. bailiúchán na seanfhocal, the collection of proverbs)
What does “seanfhocal” mean?
- proverb
- A short traditional saying that expresses a piece of wisdom or advice.Also: saying, adage, old saying, maxim.
Other Irish words for proverb: seanrá (saying)
“Seanfhocal” with the article
The plural of proverb in Irish is seanfhocail. Here is seanfhocal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seanfhocal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seanfhocal, the Irish word for proverb.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Proverb in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for proverb?
The Irish for proverb is seanfhocal (pronounced “SHAN-ok-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seanfhocail.
How do you pronounce seanfhocal in Irish?
Seanfhocal is said like “SHAN-ok-ul” (IPA /ˈʃanˠɔkəlˠ/).
What is the plural of proverb in Irish?
The plural of seanfhocal is seanfhocail; with the article, na seanfhocail means “the proverbs”. The genitive plural is seanfhocal, as in bailiúchán na seanfhocal (the collection of proverbs).
Why does seanfhocal change to sheanfhocal?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheanfhocal. After ár (our) it stays ár seanfhocal, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'as the proverb says' in Irish?
The usual phrase is 'mar a deir an seanfhocal'.
Is 'seanfhocal' made of two words?
Yes, it combines 'sean' (old) and 'focal' (word), so literally 'old word', with lenition of the f after 'sean'.
