splanc
/sˠpˠl̪ˠauŋk/
The Irish word for spark is splanc.
splanc refers to a burst of electrical discharge. You can also use the related verb spréach, which means to give off sparks.
Meaning: burst of electrical discharge (noun)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/sˠpˠl̪ˠauŋk/
Did you know?
- The word splanc can also be used to describe the sudden, sharp sound of a single gunshot.
- In some Irish-language literary contexts, a splanc can represent a sudden flash of realization or a moment of sudden clarity during a debate.
- Unlike English, where 'spark' is often a tiny, harmless bit of light, using splanc in a figurative sense can sometimes imply a sense of danger or a 'flash' of temper.
Examples in context
- D'fhéadfadh splanc teacht as an dtraen.A spark could come from the train.
Example conversation
Cathal and Niamh are looking at a broken electrical socket.
- CathalAn chonaic tú an splanc sin?Did you see that spark?
- NiamhBa chonaic mé, a Chathail.I saw it, Cathal.
- CathalTá an socket seo briste.This socket is broken.
- NiamhNá téigh i ngarabháil leis.Don't touch it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry splanc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
