HeyRuaHow to say “sitting” in Irish
- Irish:
- suí
- English:
- sitting, session, seat
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- suigh, to sit (ag suí, sitting)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “see” /sˠiː/
- Plural:
- suíonna
- Genitive singular:
- suí, an tsuí (e.g. le linn an tsuí, during the sitting)
- Genitive plural:
- suíonna, na suíonna (e.g. líon na suíonna, the number of sittings)
What does “suí” mean?
“Suí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sitting
- The act of sitting or the state of being seated; the verbal noun of the verb suigh (sit).Also: sit, seating, being seated.
“Suí” as a verbal noun
After ag, suí means sitting: it is the verbal noun of the verb suigh (to sit). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Suí” with the article
The plural of sitting in Irish is suíonna. Here is suí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Suí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using suí, the Irish word for sitting.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sitting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sitting?
The Irish for sitting is suí (pronounced “see”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is suíonna. Depending on context it can also mean session or seat.
How do you pronounce suí in Irish?
Suí is said like “see” (IPA /sˠiː/).
What is the plural of sitting in Irish?
The plural of suí is suíonna; with the article, it is na suíonna. The genitive plural is suíonna, as in líon na suíonna (the number of sittings).
Does suí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Suí can mean sitting, session or seat, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does suí change to shuí?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shuí. After ár (our) it stays ár suí, because s does not take eclipsis.
Does 'i mo shuí' only mean 'sitting'?
No. Tá mé i mo shuí means 'I am sitting', but it also commonly means 'I am up, out of bed', as in Tá mé i mo shuí ó mhaidin.
What is the difference between suí and suíochán?
Suí is the act of sitting, while a physical seat is usually suíochán or cathaoir (chair).
