Case in Irish (Cás): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for case?

The Irish for case is cás (pronounced “kawss”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cáis. Depending on context it can also mean plight.

Q: What is the plural of case in Irish?

The plural of cás is cáis; with the article, na cáis means “the cases”. The genitive plural is cás, as in líon na gcás (the number of cases).

Q: Does cás have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cás can mean case or plight, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “case” in Irish

Irish:: cás
English:: case, plight
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “kawss” /kɑːsˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cáis (cases)
Genitive singular:: cáis, an cháis (e.g. fíricí an cháis, the facts of the case)
Genitive plural:: cás, na gcás (e.g. líon na gcás, the number of cases)

What does “cás” mean?

“Cás” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

case: A particular situation, instance or set of circumstances.Also: situation, instance, circumstance, event.

2 other meanings: plight

2case: A legal action or matter brought before a court.Also: lawsuit, legal case, action.
3plight: A difficult or unfortunate state someone is in, often in phrases like 'i gcás' or 'anchás'.Also: predicament, state, concern.

Other Irish words for case: cás (case)

“Cás” with the article

The plural of case in Irish is cáis. Here is cás after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cás

the case

No change after an

na cáis

the cases

Plural: no change after na

“Cás” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cás, the Irish word for case.

I gcás timpiste, cuir fios ar an otharcharr.

In case of an accident, call the ambulance.

Beidh orainn breathnú ar an gcás arís.

We will have to look at the case again.

Is cás an-aisteach é seo.

This is a very strange case.

Bhí an breitheamh ag éisteacht le cáis eile inniu.

The judge was hearing other cases today.

Ní raibh fianaise ar bith ag an dlíodóir sa chás.

The lawyer had no evidence in the case.

Thagair sé do chás a tharla fadó.

He referred to a case that happened long ago.

Ní cás liom é a dhéanamh duit.

I don't mind doing it for you.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

sprioctarget cabhairhelp fuilblood breithiúnasjudgment rochtainreach clóprint

Case in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for case?

The Irish for case is cás (pronounced “kawss”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cáis. Depending on context it can also mean plight.

How do you pronounce cás in Irish?

Cás is said like “kawss” (IPA /kɑːsˠ/).

What is the plural of case in Irish?

The plural of cás is cáis; with the article, na cáis means “the cases”. The genitive plural is cás, as in líon na gcás (the number of cases).

Does cás have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cás can mean case or plight, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cás change to chás or gcás?

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

What does 'ní cás liom' mean?

'Ní cás liom' means 'I don't mind' or 'it is no concern of mine', and 'is cás liom' means 'I am concerned about it'.

Is this the same word as 'cás' meaning a box or container?

No, the container 'cás' (plural 'cásanna') is a separate entry; this 'cás' means a situation, instance or legal case.

Case in Irish (Cás): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage