Chatter in Irish (Cadráil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for chatter?

The Irish for chatter is cadráil (pronounced “KAD-rawl”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “chatter” in Irish

Irish:: cadráil
English:: chatter
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KAD-rawl” /ˈkad̪ˠɾˠaːlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cadrála, na cadrála (e.g. lucht cadrála, gossipers, chatterers)

What does “cadráil” mean?

chatter: Idle, gossipy talk; prattling or chattering about trivial things.Also: gossip, prattle, idle talk, chit-chat.

Other Irish words for chatter: cabaireacht (chatter), clabaireacht (chatter), geabaireacht (chatter), geab (chatter)

“Cadráil” with the article

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

an chadráil

the chatter

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cadráil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cadráil, the Irish word for chatter.

Bhí cadráil ar siúl acu ar feadh an tráthnóna.

They were chattering all evening.

Éirigh as an gcadráil sin agus déan d'obair.

Stop that chatter and do your work.

Ní raibh ann ach cadráil.

It was nothing but idle talk.

Bíonn na mná ag cadráil sa siopa.

The women chat away in the shop.

Is maith léi píosa cadrála lena comharsana.

She likes a bit of a chat with her neighbours.

Chuala mé an chadráil ón seomra eile.

I heard the chattering from the other room.

Bhí mé ag cadráil le mo chara ar an bhfón.

I was gossiping with my friend on the phone.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

réigiúnregion briatharverb feachtascampaign íocaíochtpayment sliabhmountain spásspace

Chatter in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for chatter?

The Irish for chatter is cadráil (pronounced “KAD-rawl”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce cadráil in Irish?

Cadráil is said like “KAD-rawl” (IPA /ˈkad̪ˠɾˠaːlʲ/).

Does cadráil have a plural?

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

Why does cadráil change to chadráil or gcadráil?

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

How is 'cadráil' different from 'comhrá'?

'Comhrá' is any conversation, while 'cadráil' suggests idle chatter or gossip, as in 'bhí siad ag cadráil'.

Chatter in Irish (Cadráil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage