HeyRuaHow to say “salt water” in Irish
- Irish:
- sáile
- English:
- salt water, sea
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SAW-lyuh” /ˈsˠɑːlʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- sáile, an tsáile (e.g. blas an tsáile, the taste of the salt water)
What does “sáile” mean?
“Sáile” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- salt water
- Water from the sea, which is salty.Also: seawater, brine, briny.
1 other meaning: sea
- 2sea
- The sea, especially as something that separates countries, as in 'thar sáile' (overseas).Also: ocean, overseas.
“Sáile” with the article
Here is sáile after the article (an t-alt).
“Sáile” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sáile, the Irish word for salt water.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Salt water in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for salt water?
The Irish for salt water is sáile (pronounced “SAW-lyuh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sea.
How do you pronounce sáile in Irish?
Sáile is said like “SAW-lyuh” (IPA /ˈsˠɑːlʲə/).
Does sáile have a plural?
No plural form is given for sáile in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does sáile have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sáile can mean salt water or sea, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sáile change to sháile?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sháile. After ár (our) it stays ár sáile, because s does not take eclipsis.
What does 'thar sáile' mean?
'Thar sáile' literally means 'over salt water' and is used for 'abroad' or 'overseas', as in 'Tá sé ag obair thar sáile' (He is working abroad).
Why is it 'an tsáile' with a t?
After the article in the genitive, a masculine noun starting with s takes t-: 'boladh an tsáile' (the smell of the sea).
