nathair
/ˈn̪ˠɑhəɾʲ/feminine
The Irish word for snake is nathair.
nathair refers to a legless reptile.
Meaning: legless reptile (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The standard singular form is nathair. While nathair can also be used for the plural in certain grammatical contexts, the specific plural form is na nathraí.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈn̪ˠɑhəɾʲ/
Did you know?
- In Irish folklore, snakes are famously absent because Saint Patrick is said to have banished them from the island. This myth persists even though Ireland never actually had native snake populations.
- The English word 'adder' and the Irish word nathair share the same ancient root, which describes the act of spinning or twisting.
- In ancient Celtic culture, the snake was often a symbol of rebirth and healing due to the way it sheds its skin.
Examples in context
- nathair nimheVenomous snake, adderThis example shows how to describe a venomous snake or an adder using nathair.
- Tá nathair sa ghairdín.There is a snake in the garden.
- Feicim piseog sa pháirc.I see a snake in the park.
- nathairIs nathair é sin.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cian are walking in the countryside.
- NiamhCian, féach ar an nathair sin!Cian, look at that snake!
- CianÓnár ndóchas nach bhfuil sí nimheach.Hopefully it is not poisonous.
- NiamhTá sí ag gluaiseacht go tapa.It is moving quickly.
- CianBí i gcéin ó na nathraí!Stay away from the snakes!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snake” translations and entries nathair, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nathair, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
