HeyRuaHow to say “cardinal” in Irish
- Irish:
- cairdinéal
- English:
- cardinal, scarlet cloak
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAR-dyin-ayl” /ˈkaɾʲdʲɪnʲeːl̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- cairdinéil (cardinals)
- Genitive singular:
- cairdinéil, an chairdinéil (e.g. hata an chairdinéil, the cardinal's hat)
- Genitive plural:
- cairdinéal, na gcairdinéal (e.g. coláiste na gcairdinéal, the college of cardinals)
What does “cairdinéal” mean?
“Cairdinéal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cardinal
- A senior official of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, who helps elect a new Pope.Also: prince of the church.
1 other meaning: scarlet cloak
- 2scarlet cloak
- A short scarlet cloak, originally worn by women, named after a cardinal's robe.Also: cloak, cardinal.
“Cairdinéal” with the article
The plural of cardinal in Irish is cairdinéil. Here is cairdinéal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cairdinéal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cairdinéal, the Irish word for cardinal.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cardinal in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cardinal?
The Irish for cardinal is cairdinéal (pronounced “KAR-dyin-ayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cairdinéil. Depending on context it can also mean scarlet cloak.
How do you pronounce cairdinéal in Irish?
Cairdinéal is said like “KAR-dyin-ayl” (IPA /ˈkaɾʲdʲɪnʲeːl̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of cardinal in Irish?
The plural of cairdinéal is cairdinéil; with the article, na cairdinéil means “the cardinals”. The genitive plural is cairdinéal, as in coláiste na gcairdinéal (the college of cardinals).
Does cairdinéal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cairdinéal can mean cardinal or scarlet cloak, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cairdinéal change to chairdinéal or gcairdinéal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cairdinéal becomes mo chairdinéal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcairdinéal (eclipsis).
Does 'cairdinéal' mean a cardinal number?
No, a cardinal number is 'bunuimhir'; 'cairdinéal' is the churchman. The adjective 'cairdinéalta' means cardinal as in principal, e.g. 'na suáilcí cairdinéalta'.
