HeyRuaHow to say “spear” in Irish
- Irish:
- sleá
- English:
- spear, javelin
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shlaw” /ʃlʲaː/
- Plural:
- sleánna (spears)
- Genitive singular:
- sleá, na sleá (e.g. rinn na sleá, the point of the spear)
- Genitive plural:
- sleánna, na sleánna (e.g. rinn na sleánna, the points of the spears)
What does “sleá” mean?
“Sleá” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spear
- A long weapon with a pointed head, used for thrusting or throwing.Also: lance, pike.
1 other meaning: javelin
- 2javelin
- A light spear thrown in athletics competitions.Also: throwing spear.
Other Irish words for spear: píce (pike)
“Sleá” with the article
The plural of spear in Irish is sleánna. Here is sleá after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Sleá” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using sleá, the Irish word for spear.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spear in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spear?
The Irish for spear is sleá (pronounced “shlaw”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is sleánna. Depending on context it can also mean javelin.
How do you pronounce sleá in Irish?
Sleá is said like “shlaw” (IPA /ʃlʲaː/).
What is the plural of spear in Irish?
The plural of sleá is sleánna; with the article, na sleánna means “the spears”. The genitive plural is sleánna, as in rinn na sleánna (the points of the spears).
Does sleá have more than one meaning?
Yes. Sleá can mean spear or javelin, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does sleá change to shleá?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shleá. After ár (our) it stays ár sleá, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'sleá' and 'ga'?
Both can mean a spear, but 'ga' often means a lighter dart or javelin and also a ray of light (ga gréine), while 'sleá' is the general word for a spear.
