HeyRuaHow to say “scientist” in Irish
- Irish:
- eolaí
- English:
- scientist, guide, directory
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “OH-lee” /ˈoːl̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- eolaithe (scientists)
- Genitive singular:
- eolaí, an eolaí (e.g. obair an eolaí, the scientist's work)
- Genitive plural:
- eolaithe, na n-eolaithe (e.g. tuairim na n-eolaithe, the opinion of the scientists)
What does “eolaí” mean?
“Eolaí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- scientist
- A person who studies or works in science.Also: researcher, scholar.
2 other meanings: guide or directory
- 2guide
- A person who knows the way and leads or directs others.Also: leader, pilot.
- 3directory
- A book or list giving names, addresses or other information.Also: guidebook, handbook.
“Eolaí” with the article
The plural of scientist in Irish is eolaithe. Here is eolaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Eolaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eolaí, the Irish word for scientist.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Scientist in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for scientist?
The Irish for scientist is eolaí (pronounced “OH-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is eolaithe. Depending on context it can also mean guide or directory.
How do you pronounce eolaí in Irish?
Eolaí is said like “OH-lee” (IPA /ˈoːl̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of scientist in Irish?
The plural of eolaí is eolaithe; with the article, na heolaithe means “the scientists”. The genitive plural is eolaithe, as in tuairim na n-eolaithe (the opinion of the scientists).
Does eolaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eolaí can mean scientist, guide or directory, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does eolaí sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-eolaí (the scientist), a heolaí (her scientist), a n-eolaí (their scientist), na heolaithe (the scientists).
How is 'eolaí' related to 'eolas' and 'eolaíocht'?
All come from 'eolas' (knowledge): 'eolaíocht' is science and 'eolaí' is a scientist or someone who knows, hence also a guide.
How do I name specialists like biologist?
Add '-eolaí' to a stem: 'bitheolaí' (biologist), 'síceolaí' (psychologist), matching '-eolaíocht' for the field.
