HeyRuaHow to say “ability” in Irish
- Irish:
- cumas
- English:
- ability, capacity, faculty
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUM-us” /ˈkʊmˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cumais, an chumais (e.g. easpa cumais, lack of ability)
What does “cumas” mean?
“Cumas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ability
- The power or skill to do something.Also: capability, power, competence, aptitude.
2 other meanings: capacity or faculty
- 2capacity
- The amount something can hold or produce, or its potential.Also: potential, output.
- 3faculty
- A natural power of the mind or body, such as speech.Also: power of speech.
Other Irish words for ability: scil (skill), inniúlacht (ability), inmhe (capability), ábaltacht (ability)
“Cumas” with the article
Here is cumas after the article (an t-alt).
“Cumas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cumas, the Irish word for ability.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ability in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ability?
The Irish for ability is cumas (pronounced “KUM-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean capacity or faculty.
How do you pronounce cumas in Irish?
Cumas is said like “KUM-us” (IPA /ˈkʊmˠəsˠ/).
Does cumas have a plural?
No plural form is given for cumas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cumas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cumas can mean ability, capacity or faculty, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cumas change to chumas or gcumas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cumas becomes mo chumas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcumas (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I am able to' using cumas?
Use the phrase 'tá sé ar mo chumas', for example 'Tá sé ar mo chumas snámh' means 'I am able to swim'. To enable someone is 'cuir ar chumas duine'.
What is the difference between cumas and cumhacht?
'Cumas' is ability or capability to do something, while 'cumhacht' is power in the sense of authority, force or energy.
