HeyRua Get the app

Rest in Irish (Scíth): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘scíth’ also means: weariness

The Irish for rest is scíth, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “rest” in Irish

Irish:
scíth
English:
rest, weariness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“shkee”  /ʃciː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
scíthe, na scíthe (e.g. tréimhse na scíthe, the period of rest)

What does “scíth” mean?

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

rest
A period of relaxing or stopping work so that you recover your strength.Also: break, respite, relaxation, breather.
1 other meaning: weariness
2weariness
The state of tiredness that makes a person need a rest.Also: fatigue, tiredness.

Other Irish words for rest: sos (break)

“Scíth” with the article

Here is scíth after the article (an t-alt).

an scíth
the rest
No change after an

“Scíth” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scíth, the Irish word for rest.

Tá scíth uaim tar éis na hoibre.
I need a rest after the work.
Lig do scíth ar feadh tamaill.
Have a rest for a while.
Ligfidh mé mo scíth anocht.
I'll take a rest tonight.
Ní raibh aon scíth againn inné.
We had no rest yesterday.
Bhí scíth dheas againn cois farraige.
We had a nice rest by the sea.
Tá tú tuirseach, lig do scíth.
You're tired, take a rest.
Shuigh sí síos ag ligean a scíthe.
She sat down, resting.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Rest in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rest?

The Irish for rest is scíth (pronounced “shkee”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean weariness.

How do you pronounce scíth in Irish?

Scíth is said like “shkee” (IPA /ʃciː/).

Does scíth have a plural?

No plural form is given for scíth in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does scíth have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scíth can mean rest or weariness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say 'take a rest' in Irish?

Use 'do scíth a ligean' with a possessive: 'Lig do scíth', take a rest; 'Tá mé ag ligean mo scíthe', I'm resting.

What is the difference between 'scíth' and 'sos'?

'Sos' is a short break or pause, such as a break at work, while 'scíth' is rest and relaxation to recover from tiredness.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like scíth through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen