HeyRuaHow to say “thread” in Irish
- Irish:
- snáth
- English:
- thread, yarn, threadlike line
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “snaw” /sn̪ˠɑː/
- Genitive singular:
- snátha, an tsnátha (e.g. spól snátha, a spool of thread)
What does “snáth” mean?
“Snáth” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- thread
- A thin strand of cotton, silk or other fibre used for sewing or weaving.Also: sewing thread, strand, cotton thread.
2 other meanings: yarn or threadlike line
- 2yarn
- Spun fibre, especially wool, used for knitting or weaving.Also: knitting wool, wool.
- 3threadlike line
- Something long and thin like a thread, such as a spider's web or the line left by the tide.Also: web, line, high-water mark.
Other Irish words for thread: snáithe (thread)
“Snáth” with the article
Here is snáth after the article (an t-alt).
“Snáth” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using snáth, the Irish word for thread.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Thread in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for thread?
The Irish for thread is snáth (pronounced “snaw”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean yarn or threadlike line.
How do you pronounce snáth in Irish?
Snáth is said like “snaw” (IPA /sn̪ˠɑː/).
Does snáth have a plural?
No plural form is given for snáth in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does snáth have more than one meaning?
Yes. Snáth can mean thread, yarn or threadlike line, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does snáth change to shnáth?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shnáth. After ár (our) it stays ár snáth, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between snáth and snáthaid?
Snáth is the thread itself, while snáthaid is the needle you sew with.
How do I say 'a spider's web' in Irish?
You can say snáth damháin alla, though líon damháin alla is also common.
