HeyRuaHow to say “way” in Irish
- Irish:
- slí
- English:
- way, room
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “shlee” /ʃlʲiː/
- Plural:
- slite (ways)
- Genitive singular:
- slí, na slí (e.g. ar thaobh na slí, at the side of the way)
- Genitive plural:
- slite, na slite (e.g. ceann na slite, the head of the ways)
What does “slí” mean?
“Slí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- way
- A route or path by which you go from one place to another.Also: route, path, passage, direction.
“Slí” with the article
The plural of way in Irish is slite. Here is slí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Slí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using slí, the Irish word for way.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Way in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for way?
The Irish for way is slí (pronounced “shlee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is slite. Depending on context it can also mean room.
How do you pronounce slí in Irish?
Slí is said like “shlee” (IPA /ʃlʲiː/).
What is the plural of way in Irish?
The plural of slí is slite; with the article, na slite means “the ways”. The genitive plural is slite, as in ceann na slite (the head of the ways).
Does slí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Slí can mean way or room, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does slí change to shlí?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shlí. After ár (our) it stays ár slí, because s does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between slí and bealach?
Both mean 'way'. Bealach is more common for a physical road or route, while slí is often used for manner and in fixed phrases like slí bheatha (livelihood).
How do I say 'make way' or 'there is no room'?
Use déan slí for 'make way', and níl slí ann for 'there is no room'.
