HeyRuaHow to say “word” in Irish
- Irish:
- smid
- English:
- word, breath
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “smid” /sˠmʲɪdʲ/
- Plural:
- smideanna (words)
- Genitive singular:
- smide, na smide (e.g. gan fiú tús smide, without even the start of a word)
- Genitive plural:
- smideanna, na smideanna (e.g. fuaim na smideanna, the sound of the words)
What does “smid” mean?
“Smid” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- word
- A single word or syllable uttered, used mostly in negative phrases meaning not a word at all.Also: syllable, utterance, breath, peep.
1 other meaning: breath
- 2breath
- A puff of breath, as in having no breath left in you.Also: puff, gasp.
Other Irish words for word: focal (word)
“Smid” with the article
The plural of word in Irish is smideanna. Here is smid after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Smid” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using smid, the Irish word for word.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Word in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for word?
The Irish for word is smid (pronounced “smid”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is smideanna. Depending on context it can also mean breath.
How do you pronounce smid in Irish?
Smid is said like “smid” (IPA /sˠmʲɪdʲ/).
What is the plural of word in Irish?
The plural of smid is smideanna; with the article, na smideanna means “the words”. The genitive plural is smideanna, as in fuaim na smideanna (the sound of the words).
Does smid have more than one meaning?
Yes. Smid can mean word or breath, depending on context; the first is the most common. Smid also has its own entry as a verb meaning to make up.
How is 'smid' different from 'focal'?
'Focal' is the ordinary word for a word, while 'smid' is mainly used in negative phrases like 'Ní raibh smid as' (not a peep out of him).
What does 'gíog ná smid' mean?
'Ní raibh gíog ná smid as' means there was not a sound or a word out of him, total silence.
