HeyRuaHow to say “bog cotton” in Irish
- Irish:
- canach
- English:
- bog cotton, down
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KAN-ukh” /ˈkanˠəx/
- Genitive singular:
- canaigh, an chanaigh (e.g. bláth an chanaigh, the flower of the bog cotton)
What does “canach” mean?
“Canach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bog cotton
- A bog plant with white fluffy cotton-like heads, common on Irish bogs.Also: cottongrass, cotton grass.
1 other meaning: down
- 2down
- Soft fluffy fibres or down, such as the fluff on plants or a fine growth of hair.Also: fluff, fuzz, pubescence.
“Canach” with the article
Here is canach after the article (an t-alt).
“Canach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using canach, the Irish word for bog cotton.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bog cotton in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bog cotton?
The Irish for bog cotton is canach (pronounced “KAN-ukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean down.
How do you pronounce canach in Irish?
Canach is said like “KAN-ukh” (IPA /ˈkanˠəx/).
Does canach have a plural?
No plural form is given for canach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does canach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Canach can mean bog cotton or down, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does canach change to chanach or gcanach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) canach becomes mo chanach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcanach (eclipsis).
Is 'canach' the same as 'caonach'?
No. 'Canach' is bog cotton or fluff, while 'caonach' is moss; they look and sound similar but are different plants.
