speiceas
masculine
The English word "species" is translated into Irish as speiceas.
The term refers to a group of plants or animals that have a similar appearance.
Meaning: group of plants or animals having similar appearance (noun)
Did you know?
- The Irish word speiceas is a loanword from Latin, meaning it entered the Irish language through scientific academic circles rather than through old Gaelic roots.
- If you were to describe a 'species' of something very old or legendary, you might encounter the word rith, which refers to a 'race' or 'kind' of beings.
- While speiceas is used in science, an Irish speaker might use the word cineol when talking about a 'breed' or 'type' of animal in a more traditional or agricultural context.
Examples in context
- Is speiceas nua é.It is a new species.
Example conversation
Saoirse and Cathal are looking at a nature book.
- SaoirseCá bhfuil an speiceas seo anáithridh?Where is this species native?
- CathalTá sé i gceantair na rainforests, a Saoirse.It is in the rainforest areas, Saoirse.
- SaoirseAn bhfuil an speiceas seo i mbaol?Is this species in danger?
- CathalTá, tá sé go tobann i mbaol.Yes, it is suddenly in danger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “species” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
