HeyRuaHow to say “bone” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnámh
- English:
- bone, bones (musical instrument)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “knawv” /kn̪ˠɑːw/
- Plural:
- cnámha (bones)
- Genitive singular:
- cnáimhe, na cnáimhe (e.g. smior na cnáimhe, the marrow of the bone)
- Genitive plural:
- cnámh, na gcnámh (e.g. briseadh na gcnámh, the breaking of the bones)
What does “cnámh” mean?
“Cnámh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- bone
- One of the hard parts that make up the skeleton of a person or animal.Also: skeleton bone, bones.
1 other meaning: bones (musical instrument)
- 2bones (musical instrument)
- A pair of bones or similar sticks played as a rhythm instrument in traditional music; usually used in the plural.Also: bones, bodhrán bones, rhythm bones.
“Cnámh” with the article
The plural of bone in Irish is cnámha. Here is cnámh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnámh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnámh, the Irish word for bone.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Bone in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for bone?
The Irish for bone is cnámh (pronounced “knawv”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cnámha. Depending on context it can also mean bones (musical instrument).
How do you pronounce cnámh in Irish?
Cnámh is said like “knawv” (IPA /kn̪ˠɑːw/).
What is the plural of bone in Irish?
The plural of cnámh is cnámha; with the article, na cnámha means “the bones”. The genitive plural is cnámh, as in briseadh na gcnámh (the breaking of the bones).
Does cnámh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnámh can mean bone or bones (musical instrument), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cnámh change to chnámh or gcnámh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnámh becomes mo chnámh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnámh (eclipsis).
How do you say 'bone of contention' in Irish?
The phrase is 'cnámh spairne', literally a bone of strife.
What is the Irish for 'backbone'?
Use 'cnámh droma', which is also used figuratively for courage or the mainstay of something.
