Slavery in Irish (Sclábhaíocht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for slavery?

The Irish for slavery is sclábhaíocht (pronounced “SKLAW-vee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean drudgery.

Q: Does sclábhaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sclábhaíocht can mean slavery or drudgery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “slavery” in Irish

Irish:: sclábhaíocht
English:: slavery, drudgery
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “SKLAW-vee-ukht” /ˈsˠkl̪ˠɑːwiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: sclábhaíochta, na sclábhaíochta (e.g. deireadh na sclábhaíochta, the end of slavery)

What does “sclábhaíocht” mean?

“Sclábhaíocht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

slavery: The condition of being a slave, or the system in which people are owned by others.Also: servitude, bondage, slave labour.

1 other meaning: drudgery

2drudgery: Hard, heavy, tiring work, especially manual labour.Also: toil, hard labour, donkey work, slog.

“Sclábhaíocht” with the article

Here is sclábhaíocht after the article (an t-alt).

an sclábhaíocht

the slavery

No change after an

“Sclábhaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using sclábhaíocht, the Irish word for slavery.

Cuireadh deireadh le sclábhaíocht sa tír sin fadó.

Slavery was abolished in that country long ago.

Throid sí go dian in aghaidh na sclábhaíochta.

She fought hard against slavery.

Ba cheist lárnach sa chogadh í an sclábhaíocht.

Slavery was a central issue in the war.

Bhí na daoine sin i sclábhaíocht ar feadh na mblianta.

Those people were in slavery for years.

Is sclábhaíocht cheart an obair sin ar an bhfeirm.

That work on the farm is real drudgery.

Tá mé tuirseach den sclábhaíocht seo gach lá.

I'm tired of this drudgery every day.

Scríobh sé leabhar faoi stair na sclábhaíochta.

He wrote a book about the history of slavery.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Slavery in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for slavery?

The Irish for slavery is sclábhaíocht (pronounced “SKLAW-vee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean drudgery.

How do you pronounce sclábhaíocht in Irish?

Sclábhaíocht is said like “SKLAW-vee-ukht” (IPA /ˈsˠkl̪ˠɑːwiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does sclábhaíocht have a plural?

No plural form is given for sclábhaíocht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does sclábhaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Sclábhaíocht can mean slavery or drudgery, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'sclábhaíocht' and 'sclábhaí'?

'Sclábhaí' is the person, a slave or labourer, while 'sclábhaíocht' is the condition of slavery or the drudgery itself.

Can 'sclábhaíocht' describe ordinary hard work?

Yes, colloquially 'Is sclábhaíocht í' means it is drudgery or back-breaking work, not literal slavery.

Slavery in Irish (Sclábhaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage