saileach
standard
A willow in Irish is saileach. "A willow tree" can also be said crann sailí, where crann means "tree".
Meaning: the tree with long thin branches (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | Note |
|---|---|
| saileach | standard |
| crann sailí | willow tree |
How does it change in a sentence?
Saileach is feminine: an tsaileach, "the willow". After another noun it becomes sailí, as in crann sailí.
When do people say it?
Willow rods have long been used in Ireland for baskets, and the tree grows well beside rivers and bogs.
Did you know?
- Saileach shares an old root with the Latin salix, the scientific name of the willow genus.
Examples in context
- Tá saileach cois na habhann.There is a willow beside the river.
- Rinneadh an cliabh as slata sailí.The basket was made from willow rods.
Example conversation
Liam and his daughter Aisling walk by a river in County Clare.
- AislingCén crann é sin?What tree is that?
- LiamSaileach. Is breá léi an t-uisce.A willow. It loves the water.
- AislingTá na craobhacha an-fhada.The branches are very long.
