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Calming in Irish (Ciúnú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ciúnú’ also means: abatement

The Irish for calming is ciúnú, a masculine noun. Ag ciúnú is quietening, from the verb ciúnaigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “calming” in Irish

Irish:
ciúnú
English:
calming, abatement
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
ciúnaigh, to quieten (ag ciúnú, quietening)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“KYOO-noo”  /ˈcuːnˠuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
ciúnaithe, an chiúnaithe (e.g. am ciúnaithe, a time of calming)

What does “ciúnú” mean?

“Ciúnú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

calming
The verbal noun of the verb ciúnaigh: the act of making something quiet or calm, or of becoming quiet.Also: quietening, silencing, pacifying, soothing.
1 other meaning: abatement
2abatement
A lessening or dying down of something such as wind, storm or noise.Also: lull, subsiding, calming down.

“Ciúnú” as a verbal noun

After ag, ciúnú means quietening: it is the verbal noun of the verb ciúnaigh (to quieten). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
ciúnúverbal noun
=
ag ciúnúquietening

“Ciúnú” with the article

Here is ciúnú after the article (an t-alt).

an ciúnú
the calming
No change after an

“Ciúnú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ciúnú, the Irish word for calming.

Bhí ciúnú tagtha ar an ngaoth faoin tráthnóna.
The wind had calmed down by evening.
Thosaigh ciúnú na farraige tar éis na stoirme.
The sea began to calm after the storm.
Ní raibh aon chiúnú ar an slua.
There was no quietening the crowd.
Theastaigh ciúnú ón leanbh tar éis an lae.
The child needed calming after the day.
Is maith an rud ciúnú intinne roimh scrúdú.
Calming the mind before an exam is a good thing.
Rinne an múinteoir iarracht ar chiúnú an ranga.
The teacher tried to quieten the class.
Tá cleachtaí ciúnaithe úsáideach nuair a bhíonn tú buartha.
Calming exercises are useful when you are worried.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Calming in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for calming?

The Irish for calming is ciúnú (pronounced “KYOO-noo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean abatement.

How do you pronounce ciúnú in Irish?

Ciúnú is said like “KYOO-noo” (IPA /ˈcuːnˠuː/).

Does ciúnú have a plural?

No plural form is given for ciúnú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does ciúnú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciúnú can mean calming or abatement, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ciúnú change to chiúnú or gciúnú?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ciúnú becomes mo chiúnú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gciúnú (eclipsis).

What is the difference between ciúnú and ciúnas?

Ciúnas means silence or quiet as a state, while ciúnú is the act or process of making or becoming quiet, from the verb ciúnaigh.

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