HeyRuaHow to say “certain” in Irish
- Irish:
- cinnteach
- English:
- certain, particular
- Word type:
- adjective
- More certain:
- níos cinntí
- Most certain:
- is cinntí
- Plural:
- cinnteacha
- Pronunciation:
- “KIN-tchukh” /ˈcɪnʲtʲəx/
What does “cinnteach” mean?
“Cinnteach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- certain
- Describes something that is sure, definite or fixed, or a person who has no doubt.Also: sure, definite, positive.
“Cinnteach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is cinnteach after freagra (answer, masculine), after aimsir (weather, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: aimsir chinnteach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: freagra cinnteach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, cinnteacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: aimsirí cinnteacha.
More certain, most certain, very certain
Táim níos cinntí anois ná mar a bhí mé inné. I am more certain now than I was yesterday.
| more certain | níos cinntí | in the past tense: ní ba chinntí |
|---|---|---|
| most certain | is cinntí | in the past tense: ba chinntí |
| as certain as | chomh cinnteach le | no change after chomh |
| very certain | an-chinnteach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too certain | róchinnteach | ró- lenites |
“Cinnteach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Certain in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for certain?
The Irish for certain is cinnteach (pronounced “KIN-tchukh”). It comes after the noun: freagra cinnteach, a certain answer; aimsir chinnteach, certain weather.
How do you say more certain and most certain in Irish?
níos cinntí is more certain and is cinntí is most certain. In the past tense they become ní ba chinntí and ba chinntí.
Why does cinnteach become chinnteach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So aimsir chinnteach (certain weather) but freagra cinnteach (a certain answer), because freagra is masculine.
What is the plural of cinnteach?
With a plural noun cinnteach becomes cinnteacha: freagraí cinnteacha, aimsirí cinnteacha.
How do you say very certain in Irish?
an-chinnteach. Too certain is róchinnteach, and as certain as is chomh cinnteach le.
Does cinnteach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cinnteach can mean certain or particular, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How do I say 'definitely' using cinnteach?
Use the adverb 'go cinnteach', for example 'Beidh mé ann go cinnteach' means 'I will definitely be there'.
Which preposition goes with cinnteach when you are sure of something?
Use 'de': 'Tá mé cinnteach de sin' means 'I am sure of that'.
