HeyRuaHow to say “snake” in Irish
- Irish:
- nathair
- English:
- snake, treacherous person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “NA-hir” /ˈn̪ˠahəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- nathracha (snakes)
- Genitive singular:
- nathrach, na nathrach (e.g. nimh na nathrach, the snake's venom)
- Genitive plural:
- nathracha, na nathracha (e.g. nead na nathracha, the snakes' nest)
What does “nathair” mean?
“Nathair” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- snake
- A long reptile with no legs that moves by sliding along the ground.Also: serpent, adder, viper.
1 other meaning: treacherous person
- 2treacherous person
- A sly or treacherous person, called a snake figuratively.Also: snake, traitor, viper, backstabber.
“Nathair” with the article
The plural of snake in Irish is nathracha. Here is nathair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Nathair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using nathair, the Irish word for snake.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Snake in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for snake?
The Irish for snake is nathair (pronounced “NA-hir”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is nathracha. Depending on context it can also mean treacherous person.
How do you pronounce nathair in Irish?
Nathair is said like “NA-hir” (IPA /ˈn̪ˠahəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of snake in Irish?
The plural of nathair is nathracha; with the article, na nathracha means “the snakes”. The genitive plural is nathracha, as in nead na nathracha (the snakes' nest).
Does nathair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Nathair can mean snake or treacherous person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is 'nathair nimhe'?
'Nathair nimhe' means a venomous snake or serpent, literally 'snake of poison', and is also used of a treacherous person.
Is 'péist' the same as 'nathair'?
'Péist' usually means a worm or a monster, while 'nathair' is the normal word for a snake.
