Chanting in Irish (Cantaireacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for chanting?

The Irish for chanting is cantaireacht (pronounced “KAN-tir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean murmuring.

Q: Does cantaireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cantaireacht can mean chanting or murmuring, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “chanting” in Irish

Irish:: cantaireacht
English:: chanting, murmuring
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KAN-tir-ukht” /ˈkan̪ˠt̪ˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cantaireachta, na cantaireachta (e.g. fuaim na cantaireachta, the sound of the chanting)

What does “cantaireacht” mean?

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

chanting: Singing in a steady, repeated way, especially the singing of prayers or hymns in church.Also: chant, singing, plainsong.

1 other meaning: murmuring

2murmuring: Low, continuous complaining or grumbling.Also: complaining, grumbling.

Other Irish words for chanting: canadh (singing)

“Cantaireacht” with the article

Here is cantaireacht after the article (an t-alt).

an chantaireacht

the chanting

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cantaireacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cantaireacht, the Irish word for chanting.

Chuala mé cantaireacht ag teacht ón séipéal.

I heard chanting coming from the chapel.

Bhí an chantaireacht go hálainn san ardeaglais.

The chanting was beautiful in the cathedral.

Is maith liom fuaim na cantaireachta.

I like the sound of the chanting.

Thosaigh na manaigh ar an gcantaireacht ag meán oíche.

The monks began the chanting at midnight.

Tá suim mhór aici i gcantaireacht Ghréagórach.

She is very interested in Gregorian chant.

Ní raibh le cloisteáil ach cantaireacht íseal.

Nothing could be heard but low chanting.

Bhí cór na cantaireachta ag cleachtadh aréir.

The chant choir was practising last night.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Chanting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chanting?

The Irish for chanting is cantaireacht (pronounced “KAN-tir-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean murmuring.

How do you pronounce cantaireacht in Irish?

Cantaireacht is said like “KAN-tir-ukht” (IPA /ˈkan̪ˠt̪ˠəɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does cantaireacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for cantaireacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does cantaireacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cantaireacht can mean chanting or murmuring, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cantaireacht change to chantaireacht or gcantaireacht?

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

How is 'cantaireacht' different from 'amhránaíocht'?

'Amhránaíocht' is ordinary singing of songs, while 'cantaireacht' usually means chanting, especially liturgical chant such as 'cantaireacht Ghréagórach'.

Chanting in Irish (Cantaireacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage