scáth
/sˠkɑː/
The English word 'shadow' is translated into Irish as scáth.
The noun refers to an area protected by an obstacle.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular noun is scáth. When used with the definite article 'the', the singular form is an scáth and the plural form is na scátha. The plural form of the noun without an article is scátha.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sˠkɑː/.
Did you know?
- The word scáth is the root of scáthán, which is the Irish word for 'mirror'. This describes a mirror as a device that captures a 'shadow' or reflection of the person.
- In Irish folklore, the scáth of a person is often linked to their soul, and some beliefs suggest that if a person's shadow is stolen or trapped, their life force is diminished.
- The English word 'shade' and the Irish word scáth share a common ancestor in the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)ḱeh₃-, which means 'to cover'.
Examples in context
- Tá an scáth anseo.The shadow is here.
Example conversation
Conor and Niamh are walking in a park on a sunny day.
- ConorTá an ghrian go láidir inniu.The sun is strong today.
- NiamhTá, tá mé ag lorg scáth.Yes, I am looking for shade.
- ConorSeas anseo i scáth an bhailéir.Stand here in the shadow of the gazebo.
- NiamhGo raibh maith agat, a Chonaire.Thank you, Conor.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry scáth, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scáth, CC BY-SA 4.0.
