HeyRuaHow to say “button” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnaipe
- English:
- button
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KNAP-eh” /ˈkn̪ˠapʲə/
- Plural:
- cnaipí (buttons)
- Genitive singular:
- cnaipe, an chnaipe (e.g. poll an chnaipe, the buttonhole)
- Genitive plural:
- cnaipí, na gcnaipí (e.g. bosca na gcnaipí, the button box)
What does “cnaipe” mean?
“Cnaipe” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- button
- A small round fastener sewn on clothing that passes through a hole to close it.Also: clothes button, fastener, stud.
1 other meaning:
- 2button
- A small part on a machine or device that you press to make it work.Also: push button, switch, key.
“Cnaipe” with the article
The plural of button in Irish is cnaipí. Here is cnaipe after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnaipe” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnaipe, the Irish word for button.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Button in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for button?
The Irish for button is cnaipe (pronounced “KNAP-eh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cnaipí.
How do you pronounce cnaipe in Irish?
Cnaipe is said like “KNAP-eh” (IPA /ˈkn̪ˠapʲə/).
What is the plural of button in Irish?
The plural of cnaipe is cnaipí; with the article, na cnaipí means “the buttons”. The genitive plural is cnaipí, as in bosca na gcnaipí (the button box).
Why does cnaipe change to chnaipe or gcnaipe?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnaipe becomes mo chnaipe (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnaipe (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to button up' a coat in Irish?
You say 'cóta a chnaipeáil' or 'na cnaipí a dhúnadh', and to unbutton is 'na cnaipí a scaoileadh'.
