HeyRuaHow to say “water” in Irish
- Irish:
- uisce
- English:
- water, waters, tears, fluid
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ISH-kuh” /ˈɪʃcə/
- Plural:
- uiscí (waters)
- Genitive singular:
- uisce, an uisce (e.g. gloine uisce, a glass of water)
- Genitive plural:
- uiscí, na n-uiscí (e.g. truailliú na n-uiscí, pollution of the waters)
What does “uisce” mean?
“Uisce” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- water
- The clear liquid that falls as rain and fills rivers, lakes and seas, used for drinking and washing.Also: drinking water, h2o.
2 other meanings: waters or tears, fluid
- 2waters
- In the plural, a body of water such as the sea area around a country or a river's waters.Also: territorial waters, body of water.
- 3tears, fluid
- Liquid coming from the body, such as tears from the eyes.Also: tears, fluid, secretion.
Other Irish words for water: uiscigh (water)
“Uisce” with the article
The plural of water in Irish is uiscí. Here is uisce after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Uisce” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using uisce, the Irish word for water.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “uisce”
Water in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for water?
The Irish for water is uisce (pronounced “ISH-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is uiscí. Depending on context it can also mean waters or tears, fluid.
How do you pronounce uisce in Irish?
Uisce is said like “ISH-kuh” (IPA /ˈɪʃcə/).
What is the plural of water in Irish?
The plural of uisce is uiscí; with the article, na huiscí means “the waters”. The genitive plural is uiscí, as in truailliú na n-uiscí (pollution of the waters).
Does uisce have more than one meaning?
Yes. Uisce can mean water, waters or tears, fluid, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does uisce sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-uisce (the water), a huisce (her water), a n-uisce (their water), na huiscí (the waters).
How is whiskey connected to 'uisce'?
English 'whiskey' comes from Irish 'uisce beatha', literally 'water of life'.
What does 'uisce faoi thalamh' mean?
Literally 'water under the ground', 'uisce faoi thalamh' means secret plotting or underhand dealings.
