HeyRuaHow to say “children” in Irish
- Irish:
- clann
- English:
- children, clan, race
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klown” /kl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- clanna (children)
- Genitive singular:
- clainne, na clainne (e.g. breith clainne, childbirth)
- Genitive plural:
- clann, na gclann (e.g. stair na gclann, the history of the families)
What does “clann” mean?
“Clann” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- children
- The children or offspring of a person or couple, taken together as a group.Also: offspring, family, kids, issue.
2 other meanings: clan or race
- 2clan
- A group of people descended from a common ancestor, such as an Irish or Scottish clan.Also: tribe, descendants, kindred.
- 3race
- Descendants or followers as a group, as in a people or a body of adherents.Also: progeny, followers, line.
“Clann” with the article
The plural of children in Irish is clanna. Here is clann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Clann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using clann, the Irish word for children.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Children in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for children?
The Irish for children is clann (pronounced “klown”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is clanna. Depending on context it can also mean clan or race.
How do you pronounce clann in Irish?
Clann is said like “klown” (IPA /kl̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of children in Irish?
The plural of clann is clanna; with the article, na clanna means “the children”. The genitive plural is clann, as in stair na gclann (the history of the families).
Does clann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Clann can mean children, clan or race, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does clann change to chlann or gclann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) clann becomes mo chlann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gclann (eclipsis).
What is the difference between clann and teaghlach?
Clann means the children of a family, while teaghlach is the whole household. 'An bhfuil clann agat?' asks whether you have children, not whether you have a family in general.
How do I say someone is pregnant using clann?
Say 'tá sí ag iompar clainne', literally 'she is carrying children'.
