HeyRuaHow to say “shadow” in Irish
- Irish:
- scáil
- English:
- shadow, reflection, ghost
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “skawl” /sˠkaːlʲ/
- Plural:
- scáileanna (shadows)
- Genitive singular:
- scáile, na scáile (e.g. fad na scáile, the length of the shadow)
- Genitive plural:
- scáileanna, na scáileanna (e.g. cruthanna na scáileanna, the shapes of the shadows)
What does “scáil” mean?
“Scáil” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shadow
- A dark shape made where something blocks the light.Also: shade.
2 other meanings: reflection or ghost
- 2reflection
- An image of something seen in water, a mirror or other shiny surface.Also: image, mirror image.
- 3ghost
- A shadowy figure or spectre, a ghostly apparition.Also: spectre, phantom, shade.
Other Irish words for shadow: scáth (shadow)
“Scáil” with the article
The plural of shadow in Irish is scáileanna. Here is scáil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Scáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using scáil, the Irish word for shadow.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shadow in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shadow?
The Irish for shadow is scáil (pronounced “skawl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is scáileanna. Depending on context it can also mean reflection or ghost.
How do you pronounce scáil in Irish?
Scáil is said like “skawl” (IPA /sˠkaːlʲ/).
What is the plural of shadow in Irish?
The plural of scáil is scáileanna; with the article, na scáileanna means “the shadows”. The genitive plural is scáileanna, as in cruthanna na scáileanna (the shapes of the shadows).
Does scáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Scáil can mean shadow, reflection or ghost, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between scáil and scáth?
Scáth often means shade or shelter (faoi scáth na gcrann), while scáil is more a cast shadow or a reflection (mo scáil san uisce). The two overlap in meaning.
