HeyRuaHow to say “seal” in Irish
- Irish:
- séala
- English:
- seal, seal of approval
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAY-luh” /ˈʃeːlˠə/
- Plural:
- séalaí (seals)
- Genitive singular:
- séala, an tséala (e.g. lorg an tséala, the imprint of the seal)
- Genitive plural:
- séalaí, na séalaí (e.g. bailiúchán séalaí, a collection of seals)
What does “séala” mean?
“Séala” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- seal
- A stamp or mark, often of wax, pressed onto a document or letter to show it is genuine or to keep it closed.Also: stamp, wax seal, signet.
1 other meaning: seal of approval
- 2seal of approval
- A sign of confirmation or approval given to something.Also: confirmation, endorsement.
Other Irish words for seal: rón (seal)
“Séala” with the article
The plural of seal in Irish is séalaí. Here is séala after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Séala” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using séala, the Irish word for seal.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Seal in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for seal?
The Irish for seal is séala (pronounced “SHAY-luh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is séalaí. Depending on context it can also mean seal of approval.
How do you pronounce séala in Irish?
Séala is said like “SHAY-luh” (IPA /ˈʃeːlˠə/).
What is the plural of seal in Irish?
The plural of séala is séalaí; with the article, na séalaí means “the seals”. The genitive plural is séalaí, as in bailiúchán séalaí (a collection of seals).
Does séala have more than one meaning?
Yes. Séala can mean seal or seal of approval, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does séala change to shéala?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shéala. After ár (our) it stays ár séala, because s does not take eclipsis.
Is 'séala' the animal seal?
No, 'séala' is a seal on a document; the animal is 'rón'.
What does 'faoi shéala' mean?
'Faoi shéala' means under seal, sealed officially.
