HeyRuaHow to say “swimming” in Irish
- Irish:
- snámh
- English:
- swimming, floating, draught
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- snámh, to swim (ag snámh, swimming)
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “snawv” /sn̪ˠɑːw/
- Genitive singular:
- snámha, an tsnámha (e.g. linn snámha, swimming pool)
What does “snámh” mean?
“Snámh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- swimming
- The act of swimming; verbal noun of the verb snámh, to swim.Also: swim, swim stroke.
2 other meanings: floating or draught
- 2floating
- The act of floating on water or in the air.Also: float, drifting.
- 3draught
- The depth of water a ship needs in order to float.Also: draft, ship's draught.
“Snámh” as a verbal noun
After ag, snámh means swimming: it is the verbal noun of the verb snámh (to swim). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Snámh” with the article
Here is snámh after the article (an t-alt).
“Snámh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using snámh, the Irish word for swimming.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Swimming in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for swimming?
The Irish for swimming is snámh (pronounced “snawv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean floating or draught.
How do you pronounce snámh in Irish?
Snámh is said like “snawv” (IPA /sn̪ˠɑːw/).
Does snámh have a plural?
No plural form is given for snámh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does snámh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Snámh can mean swimming, floating or draught, depending on context; the first is the most common. Snámh also has its own entry as a verb meaning to swim.
Why does snámh change to shnámh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shnámh. After ár (our) it stays ár snámh, because s does not take eclipsis.
How do I say 'I can swim' in Irish?
Say 'Tá snámh agam', literally 'I have swimming'. To ask, use 'An bhfuil snámh agat?'
What is the difference between 'ag snámh' and 'ar snámh'?
'Ag snámh' means actively swimming, while 'ar snámh' means floating or afloat, as in 'Tá an bád ar snámh'.
