Serfdom in Irish (Seirfeachas): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for serfdom?

The Irish for serfdom is seirfeachas (pronounced “SHER-uh-fakh-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean servitude.

Q: Does seirfeachas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Seirfeachas can mean serfdom or servitude, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “serfdom” in Irish

Irish:: seirfeachas
English:: serfdom, servitude
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “SHER-uh-fakh-us” /ˈʃɛɾʲəfəxəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: seirfeachais, an tseirfeachais (e.g. deireadh an tseirfeachais, the end of serfdom)

What does “seirfeachas” mean?

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

serfdom: The condition of being a serf, bound to work the land for a feudal lord.Also: serfhood, bondage, villeinage.

1 other meaning: servitude

2servitude: A lowly, servile state or condition of subjection.Also: subjection, lowly status, menial state.

“Seirfeachas” with the article

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

an seirfeachas

the serfdom

No change after an

“Seirfeachas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using seirfeachas, the Irish word for serfdom.

Cuireadh deireadh le seirfeachas sa Rúis i 1861.

Serfdom was abolished in Russia in 1861.

Bhí an seirfeachas coitianta san Eoraip fadó.

Serfdom was common in Europe long ago.

Mhair na tuathánaigh faoi sheirfeachas ar feadh na gcéadta bliain.

The peasants lived under serfdom for centuries.

Táimid ag foghlaim faoi stair an tseirfeachais.

We are learning about the history of serfdom.

Níor theastaigh uaidh saol seirfeachais a chaitheamh.

He did not want to live a life of servitude.

Ba chineál sclábhaíochta é an seirfeachas.

Serfdom was a kind of slavery.

Theith siad ón seirfeachas go dtí na bailte.

They fled from serfdom to the towns.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Serfdom in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for serfdom?

The Irish for serfdom is seirfeachas (pronounced “SHER-uh-fakh-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean servitude.

How do you pronounce seirfeachas in Irish?

Seirfeachas is said like “SHER-uh-fakh-us” (IPA /ˈʃɛɾʲəfəxəsˠ/).

Does seirfeachas have a plural?

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

Does seirfeachas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Seirfeachas can mean serfdom or servitude, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does seirfeachas change to sheirfeachas?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheirfeachas. After ár (our) it stays ár seirfeachas, because s does not take eclipsis.

How does seirfeachas differ from sclábhaíocht?

Seirfeachas is serfdom, where a person is tied to the land of a lord, while sclábhaíocht is slavery, where a person is owned outright.

Serfdom in Irish (Seirfeachas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage