HeyRuaHow to say “canteen” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceaintín
- English:
- canteen, can
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KYAN-teen” /ˈcanʲtʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- ceaintíní (canteens)
- Genitive singular:
- ceaintín, an cheaintín (e.g. doras an cheaintín, the door of the canteen)
- Genitive plural:
- ceaintíní, na gceaintíní (e.g. bainisteoirí na gceaintíní, the managers of the canteens)
What does “ceaintín” mean?
“Ceaintín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- canteen
- A room or restaurant in a school, factory or office where people buy and eat meals.Also: cafeteria, staff restaurant, dining hall.
2 other meanings: can
- 2canteen
- A small container for carrying drinking water, such as a soldier's water bottle.Also: water bottle, flask.
- 3can
- A small tin container or can.Also: tin, tin can.
Other Irish words for canteen: caifitéire (cafeteria)
“Ceaintín” with the article
The plural of canteen in Irish is ceaintíní. Here is ceaintín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceaintín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceaintín, the Irish word for canteen.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Canteen in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for canteen?
The Irish for canteen is ceaintín (pronounced “KYAN-teen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceaintíní. Depending on context it can also mean can.
How do you pronounce ceaintín in Irish?
Ceaintín is said like “KYAN-teen” (IPA /ˈcanʲtʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of canteen in Irish?
The plural of ceaintín is ceaintíní; with the article, na ceaintíní means “the canteens”. The genitive plural is ceaintíní, as in bainisteoirí na gceaintíní (the managers of the canteens).
Does ceaintín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceaintín can mean canteen or can, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceaintín change to cheaintín or gceaintín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceaintín becomes mo cheaintín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceaintín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between ceaintín and bialann?
A ceaintín is a canteen attached to a workplace or school, while a bialann is a general restaurant open to the public.
