Background in Irish (Cúlionad): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for background?

The Irish for background is cúlionad (pronounced “KOOL-in-ud”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúlionaid.

Q: What is the plural of background in Irish?

The plural of cúlionad is cúlionaid; with the article, na cúlionaid means “the backgrounds”. The genitive plural is cúlionad, as in íomhánna cúlionad (background images).

How to say “background” in Irish

Irish:: cúlionad
English:: background
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KOOL-in-ud” /ˈkuːlʲɪn̪ˠəd̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cúlionaid (backgrounds)
Genitive singular:: cúlionaid, an chúlionaid (e.g. íomhá an chúlionaid, the background image)
Genitive plural:: cúlionad, na gcúlionad (e.g. íomhánna cúlionad, background images)

What does “cúlionad” mean?

“Cúlionad” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

background: The part of a scene or picture that is behind the main objects or people.Also: backdrop, rear.

1 other meaning:

2background: A less prominent position, out of the centre of attention.Also: obscurity, sidelines.

Other Irish words for background: cúlra (background)

“Cúlionad” with the article

The plural of background in Irish is cúlionaid. Here is cúlionad after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cúlionad

the background

No change after an

na cúlionaid

the backgrounds

Plural: no change after na

“Cúlionad” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cúlionad, the Irish word for background.

Tá sléibhte le feiceáil sa chúlionad.

Mountains can be seen in the background.

Is maith liom an cúlionad gorm sa phictiúr seo.

I like the blue background in this picture.

Athraigh dath an chúlionaid ar do scáileán.

Change the background colour on your screen.

D'fhan sé sa chúlionad i rith an chruinnithe.

He stayed in the background during the meeting.

Bhí ceol bog i gcúlionad an scannáin.

There was soft music in the background of the film.

Roghnaigh mé cúlionad nua do mo ríomhaire.

I chose a new background for my computer.

Tá na cúlionaid sna grianghraif seo róghnóthach.

The backgrounds in these photos are too busy.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

dathcolour seomraroom maidinmorning scannánfilm fáiltewelcome máthairmother

Background in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for background?

The Irish for background is cúlionad (pronounced “KOOL-in-ud”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúlionaid.

How do you pronounce cúlionad in Irish?

Cúlionad is said like “KOOL-in-ud” (IPA /ˈkuːlʲɪn̪ˠəd̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of background in Irish?

The plural of cúlionad is cúlionaid; with the article, na cúlionaid means “the backgrounds”. The genitive plural is cúlionad, as in íomhánna cúlionad (background images).

Why does cúlionad change to chúlionad or gcúlionad?

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

What is the opposite of 'cúlionad'?

The foreground is 'tulra'; 'cúlionad' is the background, from 'cúl' (back) and 'ionad' (place).

Does 'cúlionad' mean someone's personal background?

Not usually; for a person's history or upbringing Irish uses words like 'cúlra'.

Background in Irish (Cúlionad): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage