HeyRuaHow to say “reef” in Irish
- Irish:
- sceir
- English:
- reef, skerry
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shker” /ʃcɛɾʲ/
- Plural:
- sceireacha (reefs)
- Genitive singular:
- sceire, na sceire (e.g. barr na sceire, the top of the reef)
- Genitive plural:
- sceireacha, na sceireacha (e.g. léarscáil na sceireacha, the map of the reefs)
What does “sceir” mean?
“Sceir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- reef
- A ridge of rock in the sea, at or just below the surface, that can be dangerous to boats.Also: skerry, rocky reef, sea rock, ledge.
1 other meaning: skerry
- 2skerry
- A small rocky island or rock sticking out of the sea.Also: rocky islet, sea rock.
“Sceir” with the article
The plural of reef in Irish is sceireacha. Here is sceir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sceir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sceir, the Irish word for reef.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Reef in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for reef?
The Irish for reef is sceir (pronounced “shker”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sceireacha. Depending on context it can also mean skerry.
How do you pronounce sceir in Irish?
Sceir is said like “shker” (IPA /ʃcɛɾʲ/).
What is the plural of reef in Irish?
The plural of sceir is sceireacha; with the article, na sceireacha means “the reefs”. The genitive plural is sceireacha, as in léarscáil na sceireacha (the map of the reefs).
Does sceir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sceir can mean reef or skerry, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'sceir' and 'carraig'?
'Carraig' is any rock, while 'sceir' is specifically a reef or rocky ridge in the sea, often hidden by the tide.
