HeyRuaHow to say “spreading” in Irish
- Irish:
- spré
- English:
- spreading, flare
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- spréigh, to spread (ag spré, spreading)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “spray” /sˠpʲɾʲeː/
- Genitive singular:
- spréite, an spréite (e.g. am spréite an aoiligh, the time for spreading the manure)
What does “spré” mean?
“Spré” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spreading
- The act of spreading or scattering something; it is the verbal noun of the verb spréigh.Also: scattering, spread, strewing, dispersal.
“Spré” as a verbal noun
After ag, spré means spreading: it is the verbal noun of the verb spréigh (to spread). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Spré” with the article
Here is spré after the article (an t-alt).
“Spré” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using spré, the Irish word for spreading.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spreading in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spreading?
The Irish for spreading is spré (pronounced “spray”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean flare.
How do you pronounce spré in Irish?
Spré is said like “spray” (IPA /sˠpʲɾʲeː/).
Does spré have a plural?
No plural form is given for spré in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does spré have more than one meaning?
Yes. Spré can mean spreading or flare, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Is this the same word as spré meaning 'dowry'?
No. Spré 'dowry' is a separate feminine noun; this spré is the verbal noun of spréigh 'spread, scatter', as in ag spré aoiligh.
What does 'Spré ar...!' mean?
It is a mild curse like 'Drat...!' or 'Confound...!', for example Spré ar an mbus sin!
