Chanter in Irish (Cantaire): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for chanter?

The Irish for chanter is cantaire (pronounced “KAWN-tir-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cantairí. Depending on context it can also mean chanter (of bagpipes).

Q: What is the plural of chanter in Irish?

The plural of cantaire is cantairí; with the article, na cantairí means “the chanters”. The genitive plural is cantairí, as in guthanna na gcantairí (the voices of the choristers).

Q: Does cantaire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cantaire can mean chanter or chanter (of bagpipes), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chanter” in Irish

Irish:: cantaire
English:: chanter, chanter (of bagpipes)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “KAWN-tir-uh” /ˈkan̪ˠt̪ˠəɾʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: cantairí (chanters)
Genitive singular:: cantaire, an chantaire (e.g. guth an chantaire, the chanter's voice)
Genitive plural:: cantairí, na gcantairí (e.g. guthanna na gcantairí, the voices of the choristers)

What does “cantaire” mean?

“Cantaire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

chanter: A person who chants or sings, especially in a church choir or at a religious service.Also: chorister, cantor, singer.

1 other meaning: chanter (of bagpipes)

2chanter (of bagpipes): The pipe of a set of bagpipes on which the melody is played.Also: chanter, bagpipe chanter, pipe.

“Cantaire” with the article

The plural of chanter in Irish is cantairí. Here is cantaire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cantaire

the chanter

No change after an

na cantairí

the chanters

Plural: no change after na

“Cantaire” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cantaire, the Irish word for chanter.

Is cantaire maith é sa chór.

He is a good chorister in the choir.

Thosaigh an cantaire ag canadh go híseal.

The chanter began singing softly.

Bhí guth an chantaire le cloisteáil ar fud na heaglaise.

The chanter's voice could be heard throughout the church.

Tháinig na cantairí isteach go mall.

The choristers came in slowly.

Bhí mo dheartháir ina chantaire nuair a bhí sé óg.

My brother was a chorister when he was young.

Cheannaigh sé cantaire nua dá phíb.

He bought a new chanter for his pipes.

Tá poill ar an gcantaire chun na nótaí a sheinm.

The chanter has holes for playing the notes.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Chanter in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chanter?

The Irish for chanter is cantaire (pronounced “KAWN-tir-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cantairí. Depending on context it can also mean chanter (of bagpipes).

How do you pronounce cantaire in Irish?

Cantaire is said like “KAWN-tir-uh” (IPA /ˈkan̪ˠt̪ˠəɾʲə/).

What is the plural of chanter in Irish?

The plural of cantaire is cantairí; with the article, na cantairí means “the chanters”. The genitive plural is cantairí, as in guthanna na gcantairí (the voices of the choristers).

Does cantaire have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cantaire can mean chanter or chanter (of bagpipes), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cantaire change to chantaire or gcantaire?

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

What is the difference between 'cantaire' and 'amhránaí'?

'Amhránaí' is the general word for a singer, while 'cantaire' usually means a chanter or chorister, especially in church singing.

Chanter in Irish (Cantaire): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage