HeyRuaHow to say “seven” in Irish
- Irish:
- seacht
- English:
- seven, seven (card)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shakht” /ʃaxt̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- seachtanna (sevens)
- Genitive singular:
- seacht, an tseacht (e.g. cearnóg an tseacht, the square of seven)
- Genitive plural:
- seachtanna, na seachtanna (e.g. tábla na seachtanna, the seven times table)
What does “seacht” mean?
“Seacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- seven
- The number seven, written 7, used as a noun, for example when counting, telling the time or naming a card or figure.Also: number seven, 7, figure seven.
1 other meaning: seven (card)
- 2seven (card)
- A playing card with seven pips.Also: seven, seven of cards, playing card.
Other Irish words for seven: seachtar (seven people), mórsheisear (seven people)
“Seacht” with the article
The plural of seven in Irish is seachtanna. Here is seacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seacht, the Irish word for seven.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Seven in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for seven?
The Irish for seven is seacht (pronounced “shakht”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seachtanna. Depending on context it can also mean seven (card).
How do you pronounce seacht in Irish?
Seacht is said like “shakht” (IPA /ʃaxt̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of seven in Irish?
The plural of seacht is seachtanna; with the article, na seachtanna means “the sevens”. The genitive plural is seachtanna, as in tábla na seachtanna (the seven times table).
Does seacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seacht can mean seven or seven (card), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seacht change to sheacht?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheacht. After ár (our) it stays ár seacht, because s does not take eclipsis.
What mutation follows 'seacht' before a noun?
'Seacht' eclipses a following noun: seacht bpunt, seacht gcéad, seacht n-uaire.
When do I say 'a seacht' instead of 'seacht'?
Use 'a seacht' when counting or telling the time without a noun, as in 'ag a seacht' (at seven); use 'seacht' directly before a noun, as in 'seacht lá'.
