sáspan
masculine
The English word saucepan is sáspan in Irish. Wiktionary also lists scilléad.
Meaning: deep cooking vessel (noun)
Ways to say it
| Irish | Note |
|---|---|
| sáspan | masculine |
| scilléad | masculine |
A saucepan is a deep cooking vessel.
Which one should you use?
sáspan is the most common and standard term for a saucepan.
How does it change in a sentence?
sáspan is a masculine noun. When using the definite article, you use an sáspan for the saucepan. The plural form of the word is sáspanna, such as in na sáspanna (the saucepans).
Did you know?
- The word 'sáspan' is a phonetic loanword, meaning it was adapted into Irish spelling to mimic how the English word 'saucepan' sounds.
- While 'saucepan' is a single concept in English, Irish speakers often choose between sáspan and scilléad based on the specific depth and shape of the vessel.
- In many Irish-speaking communities, using the borrowed sáspan is not seen as 'bad Irish' but is a standard, accepted part of the modern domestic vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Caithfidh mé an potóg seo a úsáid chun anraith a dhéanamh.I have to use this saucepan to make the soup.
- Tá an sáspan ar an mbord.The saucepan is on the table.
- Ní féidir liom an sáspan a fháil.I cannot find the saucepan.
Example conversation
Aoife and Conor are preparing dinner together.
- AoifeConor, cá bhfuil an sáspan?Conor, where is the saucepan?
- ConorTá sé sa chistin, Aoife.It is in the kitchen, Aoife.
- AoifeNíl mé ag féachaint an sáspan ansin.I don't see the saucepan there.
- ConorTá sé taobh thall ansin!It is over there!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “saucepan” translations and entries sáspan, scilléad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scilléad, sáspan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
