HeyRuaHow to say “body” in Irish
- Irish:
- colainn
- English:
- body, flesh
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUL-in” /ˈkolˠənʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- colainne, na colainne (e.g. aiséirí na colainne, the resurrection of the body)
What does “colainn” mean?
“Colainn” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- body
- The physical body of a person or animal, living or dead.Also: physical body, corpse, carcass.
1 other meaning: flesh
- 2flesh
- The human body seen as weak or sinful, as opposed to the spirit, especially in religious language.Also: the flesh, carnal nature.
Other Irish words for body: corp (body)
“Colainn” with the article
Here is colainn after the article (an t-alt).
“Colainn” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using colainn, the Irish word for body.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Body in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for body?
The Irish for body is colainn (pronounced “KUL-in”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean flesh.
How do you pronounce colainn in Irish?
Colainn is said like “KUL-in” (IPA /ˈkolˠənʲ/).
Does colainn have a plural?
No plural form is given for colainn in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does colainn have more than one meaning?
Yes. Colainn can mean body or flesh, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does colainn change to cholainn or gcolainn?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) colainn becomes mo cholainn (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcolainn (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'colainn' and 'corp'?
'Corp' is the everyday word for body or corpse, while 'colainn' is more literary or religious, often meaning the flesh as opposed to the spirit, as in 'aiséirí na colainne'.
What adjective comes from 'colainn'?
The adjective is 'collaí', meaning carnal or bodily, as in 'peaca collaí' (carnal sin).
