réalta
/ˈɾˠeːl̪ˠt̪ˠə/feminine
The Irish word for star is réalta.
The term réalta refers to a luminous celestial body made of plasma in an astronomical sense.
Meaning: (astronomy) a luminous celestial body made of plasma (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word Réalteán is an informal diminutive form used to refer to a star affectionately.
How does it change in a sentence?
réalta is a feminine noun. In the singular, it takes the feminine article an (an réalta). To form the plural, use réaltaí (na réaltaí).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɾˠeːl̪ˠt̪ˠə/
Did you know?
- In Irish folklore, stars were often referred to as súile na hoidche or 'the eyes of the night'.
- In traditional Irish navigation and folklore, certain réaltaí were used as markers for the agricultural calendar, specifically to signal the start of the planting season.
- The diminutive réalteán is used in some Irish dialects to describe something small and glittering that is not actually a star, such as a piece of mica in a rock.
Examples in context
- Tá na réaltaí ag lonrú sa spéirThe stars are shining in the sky.
- Bhí an réalta ag lonradh go hard.The star was shining brightly.
- Féach ar an réalta nua.Look at the new star.
Example conversation
Cathal and Niamh are looking at the night sky.
- CathalAn bhfuil réalta ansin, a Niamh?Is there a star there, Niamh?
- NiamhTá, tá réalta go hálainn ansin.Yes, there is a beautiful star there.
- CathalAn bhfuil sé go hiontach?Is it wonderful?
- NiamhTá, is réalta iontach é.Yes, it is a wonderful star.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “star” translations and entries réalta, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
