Shadow in Irish (Scáth): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for shadow?

The Irish for shadow is scáth (pronounced “skaw”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is scáthanna. Depending on context it can also mean shade or fear.

Q: What is the plural of shadow in Irish?

The plural of scáth is scáthanna; with the article, na scáthanna means “the shadows”. The genitive plural is scáthanna, as in cruthanna na scáthanna (the shapes of the shadows).

Q: Does scáth have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scáth can mean shadow, shade or fear, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “shadow” in Irish

Irish:: scáth
English:: shadow, shade, fear
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “skaw” /sˠkaː/

Various forms

Plural:: scáthanna (shadows)
Genitive singular:: scátha, an scátha (e.g. fad an scátha, the length of the shadow)
Genitive plural:: scáthanna, na scáthanna (e.g. cruthanna na scáthanna, the shapes of the shadows)

What does “scáth” mean?

“Scáth” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

shadow: A dark area or shape made when something blocks the light.Also: shade, silhouette.

2 other meanings: shade or fear

2shade: Shelter from sun or rain, or a screen or cover that gives protection.Also: shelter, cover, screen, protection.
3fear: A feeling of dread, fright or shyness, as in having a fear of something.Also: dread, fright, shyness, timidity.

Other Irish words for shadow: scáil (shadow)

“Scáth” with the article

The plural of shadow in Irish is scáthanna. Here is scáth after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an scáth

the shadow

No change after an

na scáthanna

the shadows

Plural: no change after na

“Scáth” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using scáth, the Irish word for shadow.

Shuíomar faoi scáth na gcrann.

We sat in the shade of the trees.

Ná déan dearmad scáth fearthainne a thabhairt leat.

Don't forget to bring your umbrella.

Bhí na scáthanna níos faide tráthnóna.

The shadows were longer in the evening.

Chonaic mé mo scáth ar an mballa.

I saw my shadow on the wall.

Bhí na scáthanna ag damhsa sa solas.

The shadows were dancing in the light.

Níl aon scáth ar an bpáiste sin.

That child isn't a bit shy.

Fan sa scáth, tá an ghrian an-te.

Stay in the shade, the sun is very hot.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cumarsáidcommunication dánpoem teanntasupport buachaillboy neartstrength sraithseries

Shadow in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for shadow?

The Irish for shadow is scáth (pronounced “skaw”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is scáthanna. Depending on context it can also mean shade or fear.

How do you pronounce scáth in Irish?

Scáth is said like “skaw” (IPA /sˠkaː/).

What is the plural of shadow in Irish?

The plural of scáth is scáthanna; with the article, na scáthanna means “the shadows”. The genitive plural is scáthanna, as in cruthanna na scáthanna (the shapes of the shadows).

Does scáth have more than one meaning?

Yes. Scáth can mean shadow, shade or fear, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between scáth and scáthán?

Scáth is a shadow or shade, while scáthán is a mirror.

What does the saying 'ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine' mean?

It means people live in each other's shelter, that is, people depend on one another.

Shadow in Irish (Scáth): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage