HeyRuaHow to say “stain” in Irish
- Irish:
- smál
- English:
- stain, blemish, tarnish
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “smawl” /sˠmˠɑːlˠ/
- Plural:
- smáil (stains)
- Genitive singular:
- smáil, an smáil (e.g. lorg an smáil, the trace of the stain)
- Genitive plural:
- smál, na smál (e.g. glanadh na smál, the cleaning of the stains)
What does “smál” mean?
“Smál” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stain
- A dirty mark or spot on something, such as cloth or a surface.Also: smudge, spot, mark, smear.
2 other meanings: blemish or tarnish
- 2blemish
- A moral stain or disgrace on someone's name or character.Also: disgrace, taint, slur.
- 3tarnish
- A dull film or discoloration on metal or a shiny surface.Also: dullness, discoloration.
“Smál” with the article
The plural of stain in Irish is smáil. Here is smál after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Smál” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using smál, the Irish word for stain.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stain in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stain?
The Irish for stain is smál (pronounced “smawl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is smáil. Depending on context it can also mean blemish or tarnish.
How do you pronounce smál in Irish?
Smál is said like “smawl” (IPA /sˠmˠɑːlˠ/).
What is the plural of stain in Irish?
The plural of smál is smáil; with the article, na smáil means “the stains”. The genitive plural is smál, as in glanadh na smál (the cleaning of the stains).
Does smál have more than one meaning?
Yes. Smál can mean stain, blemish or tarnish, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What does 'gan smál' mean?
'Gan smál' means spotless or without blemish, used of clean things and of a pure reputation, e.g. 'saol gan smál', a blameless life.
How is 'smál' different from 'ball'?
'Ball' is a general spot or mark, while 'smál' stresses a stain or blemish, including a moral one, as in 'smál ar a ainm'.
