Affection in Irish (Ceanúlacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for affection?

The Irish for affection is ceanúlacht (pronounced “KYAN-oo-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “affection” in Irish

Irish:: ceanúlacht
English:: affection
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KYAN-oo-lukht” /ˈcanuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: ceanúlachta, na ceanúlachta (e.g. comhartha ceanúlachta, a sign of affection)

What does “ceanúlacht” mean?

affection: A feeling of fondness and warm love for someone or something.Also: fondness, lovingness, love, tenderness.

Other Irish words for affection: grá (love), cion (affection), dáimh (affection), gean (affection)

“Ceanúlacht” with the article

Here is ceanúlacht after the article (an t-alt).

an cheanúlacht

the affection

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Ceanúlacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ceanúlacht, the Irish word for affection.

Bhí ceanúlacht mhór aici dá máthair.

She had great affection for her mother.

Labhair sé leis an bpáiste le ceanúlacht.

He spoke to the child with affection.

Thug sí póg dó mar chomhartha ceanúlachta.

She gave him a kiss as a sign of affection.

Ní raibh aon cheanúlacht idir an bheirt acu.

There was no affection between the two of them.

Mhothaigh mé an cheanúlacht ina glór.

I felt the affection in her voice.

Is léir a cheanúlacht don áit.

His fondness for the place is obvious.

Tá ceanúlacht an mhadra dá mháistir iontach.

The dog's affection for its master is wonderful.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Affection in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for affection?

The Irish for affection is ceanúlacht (pronounced “KYAN-oo-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce ceanúlacht in Irish?

Ceanúlacht is said like “KYAN-oo-lukht” (IPA /ˈcanuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does ceanúlacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for ceanúlacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does ceanúlacht change to cheanúlacht or gceanúlacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceanúlacht becomes mo cheanúlacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceanúlacht (eclipsis).

How is 'ceanúlacht' different from 'grá'?

'Ceanúlacht' is a gentle fondness or affection, while 'grá' is stronger love. The adjective is 'ceanúil', as in 'ceanúil ar' (fond of).

Affection in Irish (Ceanúlacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage