HeyRuaHow to say “cake” in Irish
- Irish:
- císte
- English:
- cake, cake of bread
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KEESH-tchuh” /ˈciːʃtʲə/
- Plural:
- cístí (cakes)
- Genitive singular:
- císte, an chíste (e.g. blas an chíste, the taste of the cake)
- Genitive plural:
- cístí, na gcístí (e.g. díol cístí, a cake sale)
What does “císte” mean?
“Císte” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cake
- A sweet baked food made from flour, sugar, eggs and butter, often eaten on special occasions.Also: sponge, gateau, tart.
1 other meaning: cake of bread
- 2cake of bread
- A round loaf or flat cake of bread, such as soda bread or griddle bread.Also: loaf, griddle cake, bannock.
Other Irish words for cake: cáca (cake)
“Císte” with the article
The plural of cake in Irish is cístí. Here is císte after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Císte” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using císte, the Irish word for cake.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cake in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cake?
The Irish for cake is císte (pronounced “KEESH-tchuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cístí. Depending on context it can also mean cake of bread.
How do you pronounce císte in Irish?
Císte is said like “KEESH-tchuh” (IPA /ˈciːʃtʲə/).
What is the plural of cake in Irish?
The plural of císte is cístí; with the article, na cístí means “the cakes”. The genitive plural is cístí, as in díol cístí (a cake sale).
Does císte have more than one meaning?
Yes. Císte can mean cake or cake of bread, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does císte change to chíste or gcíste?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) císte becomes mo chíste (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcíste (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'císte' and 'cáca'?
Both mean cake. 'Císte' is the standard dictionary word, while 'cáca' is common in everyday speech, especially in Ulster and Connacht.
