Virtue in Irish (Suáilce): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for virtue?

The Irish for virtue is suáilce (pronounced “SOO-awl-kyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is suáilcí. Depending on context it can also mean pleasure.

Q: What is the plural of virtue in Irish?

The plural of suáilce is suáilcí; with the article, na suáilcí means “the virtues”. The genitive plural is suáilcí, as in liosta na suáilcí (the list of virtues).

Q: Does suáilce have more than one meaning?

Yes. Suáilce can mean virtue or pleasure, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “virtue” in Irish

Irish:: suáilce
English:: virtue, pleasure
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “SOO-awl-kyuh” /ˈsuːaːlʲcə/

Various forms

Plural:: suáilcí (virtues)
Genitive singular:: suáilce, na suáilce (e.g. luach na suáilce, the value of virtue)
Genitive plural:: suáilcí, na suáilcí (e.g. liosta na suáilcí, the list of virtues)

What does “suáilce” mean?

“Suáilce” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

virtue: A good moral quality in a person, the opposite of a vice.Also: moral quality, goodness.

1 other meaning: pleasure

2pleasure: A literary sense meaning joy or delight.Also: joy, delight.

Other Irish words for virtue: dea-thréith (good quality)

“Suáilce” with the article

The plural of virtue in Irish is suáilcí. Here is suáilce after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tsuáilce

the virtue

Feminine nouns take t before s after an

na suáilcí

the virtues

Plural: no change after na

“Suáilce” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using suáilce, the Irish word for virtue.

Is suáilce í an fhoighne.

Patience is a virtue.

Bhí a lán suáilcí ag mo sheanmháthair.

My grandmother had many virtues.

Labhair an sagart faoi na suáilcí cairdinéalta.

The priest spoke about the cardinal virtues.

Is í an fhírinne an tsuáilce is mó aici.

Truthfulness is her greatest virtue.

Ní suáilce i gcónaí é an srian.

Restraint is not always a virtue.

Mhol siad suáilcí an fhir chróga.

They praised the brave man's virtues.

Tá suáilce na flaithiúlachta go láidir ann.

The virtue of generosity is strong in him.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Virtue in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for virtue?

The Irish for virtue is suáilce (pronounced “SOO-awl-kyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is suáilcí. Depending on context it can also mean pleasure.

How do you pronounce suáilce in Irish?

Suáilce is said like “SOO-awl-kyuh” (IPA /ˈsuːaːlʲcə/).

What is the plural of virtue in Irish?

The plural of suáilce is suáilcí; with the article, na suáilcí means “the virtues”. The genitive plural is suáilcí, as in liosta na suáilcí (the list of virtues).

Does suáilce have more than one meaning?

Yes. Suáilce can mean virtue or pleasure, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does suáilce change to shuáilce?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shuáilce. After ár (our) it stays ár suáilce, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the opposite of suáilce?

The opposite is duáilce, meaning vice: suáilcí agus duáilcí, virtues and vices.

How does suáilce differ from bua?

Suáilce is a moral virtue, while bua is a talent, gift or victory, e.g. tá bua an cheoil aige.

Virtue in Irish (Suáilce): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage