HeyRuaHow to say “spark” in Irish
- Irish:
- drithle
- English:
- spark, glint
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DRIH-luh” /dʲɾʲɪhəlʲə/
- Plural:
- drithlí (sparks)
- Genitive singular:
- drithle, na drithle (e.g. solas na drithle, the light of the spark)
- Genitive plural:
- drithlí, na ndrithlí (e.g. cith na ndrithlí, the shower of sparks)
What does “drithle” mean?
“Drithle” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spark
- A tiny glowing particle thrown off by a fire or by striking something.Also: sparkle, ember.
1 other meaning: glint
- 2glint
- A brief flash or gleam of light, as in the eyes or on a surface.Also: gleam, twinkle, glitter.
Other Irish words for spark: spréach (spark)
“Drithle” with the article
The plural of spark in Irish is drithlí. Here is drithle after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Drithle” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using drithle, the Irish word for spark.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spark in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spark?
The Irish for spark is drithle (pronounced “DRIH-luh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is drithlí. Depending on context it can also mean glint.
How do you pronounce drithle in Irish?
Drithle is said like “DRIH-luh” (IPA /dʲɾʲɪhəlʲə/).
What is the plural of spark in Irish?
The plural of drithle is drithlí; with the article, na drithlí means “the sparks”. The genitive plural is drithlí, as in cith na ndrithlí (the shower of sparks).
Does drithle have more than one meaning?
Yes. Drithle can mean spark or glint, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does drithle change to dhrithle or ndrithle?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) drithle becomes mo dhrithle (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndrithle (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'drithle' and 'splanc'?
'Drithle' is a small spark or glint, while 'splanc' is a flash, as of lightning, and also means a spark in the sense of a flash of temper or wit.
