HeyRuaHow to say “can” in Irish
- Irish:
- calán
- English:
- can
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KAL-awn” /ˈkalˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- caláin (cans)
- Genitive singular:
- caláin, an chaláin (e.g. clár an chaláin, the lid of the can)
- Genitive plural:
- calán, na gcalán (e.g. ag ní na gcalán, washing the cans)
What does “calán” mean?
- can
- A large metal container with a handle, used especially for carrying milk or water.Also: milk can, pail, churn.
“Calán” with the article
The plural of can in Irish is caláin. Here is calán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Calán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using calán, the Irish word for can.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Can in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for can?
The Irish for can is calán (pronounced “KAL-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caláin.
How do you pronounce calán in Irish?
Calán is said like “KAL-awn” (IPA /ˈkalˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of can in Irish?
The plural of calán is caláin; with the article, na caláin means “the cans”. The genitive plural is calán, as in ag ní na gcalán (washing the cans).
Why does calán change to chalán or gcalán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) calán becomes mo chalán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcalán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'calán' and 'canna'?
'Canna' is the general word for a can or tin, while 'calán' usually means a larger can with a handle, such as a 'calán bainne' (milk can).
