Chalk in Irish (Cailc): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for chalk?

The Irish for chalk is cailc (pronounced “kalk”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cailceanna. Depending on context it can also mean pipeclay or chalk mark.

Q: What is the plural of chalk in Irish?

The plural of cailc is cailceanna; with the article, na cailceanna means “the chalks”. The genitive plural is cailceanna, as in bosca na gcailceanna (the box of chalks).

Q: Does cailc have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cailc can mean chalk, pipeclay or chalk mark, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chalk” in Irish

Irish:: cailc
English:: chalk, pipeclay, chalk mark
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kalk” /kalʲc/

Various forms

Plural:: cailceanna (chalks)
Genitive singular:: cailce, na cailce (e.g. píosa cailce, a piece of chalk)
Genitive plural:: cailceanna, na gcailceanna (e.g. bosca na gcailceanna, the box of chalks)

What does “cailc” mean?

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

chalk: A soft white rock, or a stick made from it used for writing on a board.Also: stick of chalk, blackboard chalk, limestone chalk.

2 other meanings: pipeclay or chalk mark

2pipeclay: A fine white clay used for whitening things or making pipes.Also: whitening clay.
3chalk mark: A mark made with chalk, especially one marking a limit.Also: chalked line, limit.

“Cailc” with the article

The plural of chalk in Irish is cailceanna. Here is cailc after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chailc

the chalk

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cailceanna

the chalks

Plural: no change after na

“Cailc” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cailc, the Irish word for chalk.

Tá cailc ar an mbord in aice an chláir.

There's chalk on the table beside the board.

Scríobh an múinteoir an freagra le cailc.

The teacher wrote the answer in chalk.

Thit an chailc ar an urlár agus bhris sí.

The chalk fell on the floor and broke.

Bhí mo lámha clúdaithe le deannach cailce.

My hands were covered in chalk dust.

Cheannaigh sí cailceanna daite do na páistí.

She bought coloured chalks for the children.

Níl aon chailc fágtha sa seomra ranga.

There's no chalk left in the classroom.

Tharraing na páistí pictiúir le cailc ar an gcosán.

The children drew pictures in chalk on the pavement.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

amhrasdoubt rásaying comharcooperation trábeach tráebb measrespect

Chalk in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chalk?

The Irish for chalk is cailc (pronounced “kalk”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cailceanna. Depending on context it can also mean pipeclay or chalk mark.

How do you pronounce cailc in Irish?

Cailc is said like “kalk” (IPA /kalʲc/).

What is the plural of chalk in Irish?

The plural of cailc is cailceanna; with the article, na cailceanna means “the chalks”. The genitive plural is cailceanna, as in bosca na gcailceanna (the box of chalks).

Does cailc have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cailc can mean chalk, pipeclay or chalk mark, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cailc change to chailc or gcailc?

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

How do you say 'chalkboard' in Irish?

Use 'clár dubh' for a blackboard, or 'clár cailce' for a chalkboard.

Chalk in Irish (Cailc): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage