HeyRuaHow to say “sitting” in Irish
- Irish:
- suí
- English:
- sitting, being up
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- suigh, to sit (ag suí, sitting)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “see” /sˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- suite, an tsuite (e.g. seomra suite, sitting room)
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; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'suigh'.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
Here is suí after the article (an t-alt).
“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. Depending on context it can also mean being up.
How do you pronounce suí in Irish?
Suí is said like “see” (IPA /sˠiː/).
Does suí have a plural?
No plural form is given for suí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does suí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Suí can mean sitting or being up, 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 'tá mé i mo shuí' always mean 'I am sitting'?
No, 'tá mé i mo shuí' can also mean 'I am up', that is, out of bed, so 'tá mé i mo shuí ó mhaidin' means 'I have been up since morning'.
What is the difference between 'suí' and 'suíochán'?
'Suí' is the act or state of sitting, while 'suíochán' is a seat, the thing you sit on.
