HeyRuaHow to say “snail” in Irish
- Irish:
- seilide
- English:
- snail, slug
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHEL-ij-uh” /ˈʃɛlʲədʲə/
- Plural:
- seilidí (snails)
- Genitive singular:
- seilide, an tseilide (e.g. blaosc an tseilide, the snail's shell)
- Genitive plural:
- seilidí, na seilidí (e.g. rian na seilidí, the trail of the snails)
What does “seilide” mean?
“Seilide” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- snail
- A small slow-moving creature with a soft body and a spiral shell on its back.Also: garden snail, gastropod.
1 other meaning: slug
- 2slug
- A soft slimy creature like a snail but without a shell; also called seilide gan bhlaosc or drúchtín.Also: shell-less snail.
“Seilide” with the article
The plural of snail in Irish is seilidí. Here is seilide after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seilide” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seilide, the Irish word for snail.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Snail in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for snail?
The Irish for snail is seilide (pronounced “SHEL-ij-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is seilidí. Depending on context it can also mean slug.
How do you pronounce seilide in Irish?
Seilide is said like “SHEL-ij-uh” (IPA /ˈʃɛlʲədʲə/).
What is the plural of snail in Irish?
The plural of seilide is seilidí; with the article, na seilidí means “the snails”. The genitive plural is seilidí, as in rian na seilidí (the trail of the snails).
Does seilide have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seilide can mean snail or slug, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seilide change to sheilide?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheilide. After ár (our) it stays ár seilide, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between seilide and drúchtín?
Seilide is mainly a snail with a shell, while drúchtín is the usual word for a slug; seilide can also cover slugs loosely.
How do I say 'at a snail's pace' in Irish?
You can say 'ar luas seilide' or 'chomh mall le seilide' (as slow as a snail).
