Spark in Irish (Drithleog): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for spark?

The Irish for spark is drithleog (pronounced “DRIH-lyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is drithleoga. Depending on context it can also mean sparkle.

Q: What is the plural of spark in Irish?

The plural of drithleog is drithleoga; with the article, na drithleoga means “the sparks”. The genitive plural is drithleog, as in cith na ndrithleog (the shower of sparks).

Q: Does drithleog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Drithleog can mean spark or sparkle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “spark” in Irish

Irish:: drithleog
English:: spark, sparkle
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “DRIH-lyohg” /ˈdʲɾʲɪhl̠ʲoːɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: drithleoga (sparks)
Genitive singular:: drithleoige, na drithleoige (e.g. solas na drithleoige, the light of the spark)
Genitive plural:: drithleog, na ndrithleog (e.g. cith na ndrithleog, the shower of sparks)

What does “drithleog” mean?

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

spark: A tiny glowing particle thrown off by a fire or by striking metal or stone.Also: sparkle, glint.

1 other meaning: sparkle

2sparkle: A brief flash or glitter of light, or figuratively a flicker of life or feeling.Also: flash, glimmer, flicker.

Other Irish words for spark: drithle (spark), spréach (spark)

“Drithleog” with the article

The plural of spark in Irish is drithleoga. Here is drithleog after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an drithleog

the spark

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na drithleoga

the sparks

Plural: no change after na

“Drithleog” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using drithleog, the Irish word for spark.

Léim drithleog amach as an tine.

A spark jumped out of the fire.

Bhí na drithleoga ag eitilt san aer.

The sparks were flying in the air.

Las drithleog bheag an féar tirim.

A small spark lit the dry grass.

Chonaic mé drithleoga ag teacht ón inneoin.

I saw sparks coming from the anvil.

Bhí drithleog ina súile agus í ag gáire.

There was a sparkle in her eyes as she laughed.

Ní raibh ach drithleog sa ghríosach.

There was only a spark left in the embers.

Thit cith drithleog ar an urlár.

A shower of sparks fell on the floor.

Other nouns in Irish

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Spark in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for spark?

The Irish for spark is drithleog (pronounced “DRIH-lyohg”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is drithleoga. Depending on context it can also mean sparkle.

How do you pronounce drithleog in Irish?

Drithleog is said like “DRIH-lyohg” (IPA /ˈdʲɾʲɪhl̠ʲoːɡ/).

What is the plural of spark in Irish?

The plural of drithleog is drithleoga; with the article, na drithleoga means “the sparks”. The genitive plural is drithleog, as in cith na ndrithleog (the shower of sparks).

Does drithleog have more than one meaning?

Yes. Drithleog can mean spark or sparkle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does drithleog change to dhrithleog or ndrithleog?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) drithleog becomes mo dhrithleog (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndrithleog (eclipsis).

How is 'drithleog' different from 'splanc' and 'aibhleog'?

'Drithleog' is a small spark or sparkle, 'splanc' is a flash such as lightning, and 'aibhleog' is a live ember or glowing coal.

Spark in Irish (Drithleog): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage