HeyRuaHow to say “candle” in Irish
- Irish:
- coinneal
- English:
- candle, torch, glint
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIN-yul” /ˈkɪnʲəl̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- coinnle (candles)
- Genitive singular:
- coinnle, na coinnle (e.g. solas na coinnle, the light of the candle)
- Genitive plural:
- coinnle, na gcoinnle (e.g. boladh na gcoinnle, the smell of the candles)
What does “coinneal” mean?
“Coinneal” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- candle
- A stick of wax with a wick that is burned to give light.Also: taper, wax candle.
2 other meanings: torch or glint
- 2torch
- A light or flame carried or held up; figuratively a shining example or leading light.Also: light, beacon.
- 3glint
- A gleam or sparkle of light, as in the eye.Also: gleam, sparkle.
“Coinneal” with the article
The plural of candle in Irish is coinnle. Here is coinneal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coinneal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coinneal, the Irish word for candle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Candle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for candle?
The Irish for candle is coinneal (pronounced “KIN-yul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is coinnle. Depending on context it can also mean torch or glint.
How do you pronounce coinneal in Irish?
Coinneal is said like “KIN-yul” (IPA /ˈkɪnʲəl̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of candle in Irish?
The plural of coinneal is coinnle; with the article, na coinnle means “the candles”. The genitive plural is coinnle, as in boladh na gcoinnle (the smell of the candles).
Does coinneal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coinneal can mean candle, torch or glint, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coinneal change to choinneal or gcoinneal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coinneal becomes mo choinneal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoinneal (eclipsis).
How do you say 'by candlelight' in Irish?
Say 'faoi sholas coinnle', using the genitive plural 'coinnle', as in 'd'ith siad faoi sholas coinnle'.
What is the Irish for a candlestick?
A candlestick is 'coinnleoir', a word formed from 'coinneal'.
