HeyRuaHow to say “chair” in Irish
- Irish:
- cathaoir
- English:
- chair, chair (office), throne
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fifth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KA-heer” /ˈkahiːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- cathaoireacha (chairs)
- Genitive singular:
- cathaoireach, na cathaoireach (e.g. cos na cathaoireach, the leg of the chair)
- Genitive plural:
- cathaoireacha, na gcathaoireacha (e.g. praghas na gcathaoireacha, the price of the chairs)
What does “cathaoir” mean?
“Cathaoir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- chair
- A piece of furniture for one person to sit on, usually with a back and four legs.Also: seat, armchair.
2 other meanings: chair (office) or throne
- 2chair (office)
- The position of a person who presides over a meeting or body, or a professorship at a university.Also: chair, chairmanship, professorship, presidency.
- 3throne
- A ceremonial seat of a ruler or bishop, as in 'cathaoir ríoga'.Also: see, royal seat.
Other Irish words for chair: suíochán (seat)
“Cathaoir” with the article
The plural of chair in Irish is cathaoireacha. Here is cathaoir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cathaoir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cathaoir, the Irish word for chair.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Chair in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for chair?
The Irish for chair is cathaoir (pronounced “KA-heer”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cathaoireacha. Depending on context it can also mean chair (office) or throne.
How do you pronounce cathaoir in Irish?
Cathaoir is said like “KA-heer” (IPA /ˈkahiːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of chair in Irish?
The plural of cathaoir is cathaoireacha; with the article, na cathaoireacha means “the chairs”. The genitive plural is cathaoireacha, as in praghas na gcathaoireacha (the price of the chairs).
Does cathaoir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cathaoir can mean chair, chair (office) or throne, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cathaoir change to chathaoir or gcathaoir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cathaoir becomes mo chathaoir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcathaoir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cathaoir' and 'suíochán'?
'Cathaoir' is a chair as a piece of furniture, while 'suíochán' is any seat, such as in a car, bus or theatre.
How do I say 'chairperson' in Irish?
The person who chairs a meeting is 'cathaoirleach', derived from 'cathaoir'; to take the chair can be 'dul sa chathaoir'.
