HeyRuaHow to say “shield” in Irish
- Irish:
- sciath
- English:
- shield, protection, shield-shaped basket
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shkee-uh” /ʃciə/
- Plural:
- sciatha (shields)
- Genitive singular:
- scéithe, na scéithe (e.g. iris na scéithe, the strap of the shield)
- Genitive plural:
- sciath, na sciath (e.g. bualadh na sciath, the clashing of the shields)
What does “sciath” mean?
“Sciath” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shield
- A broad piece of armour carried on the arm to protect the body in battle.Also: buckler, armour.
2 other meanings: protection or shield-shaped basket
- 2protection
- Something that protects or covers, used figuratively for a person or thing that guards you.Also: cover, protector, screen.
- 3shield-shaped basket
- A flat wicker basket or wickerwork screen, traditionally used for carrying or straining.Also: wicker basket, wicker screen, skib.
“Sciath” with the article
The plural of shield in Irish is sciatha. Here is sciath after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sciath” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sciath, the Irish word for shield.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shield in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shield?
The Irish for shield is sciath (pronounced “shkee-uh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sciatha. Depending on context it can also mean protection or shield-shaped basket.
How do you pronounce sciath in Irish?
Sciath is said like “shkee-uh” (IPA /ʃciə/).
What is the plural of shield in Irish?
The plural of sciath is sciatha; with the article, na sciatha means “the shields”. The genitive plural is sciath, as in bualadh na sciath (the clashing of the shields).
Does sciath have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sciath can mean shield, protection or shield-shaped basket, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How do I say 'under the protection of' using sciath?
Use 'faoi sciath' followed by a genitive, as in 'faoi sciath na ganfhiosaíochta', under the cover of anonymity.
Why does 'lámh na scéithe' mean the left hand?
A shield was carried on the left arm, so 'lámh na scéithe' (the shield hand) came to mean the left hand.
