HeyRuaHow to say “circumflex” in Irish
- Irish:
- cuairín
- English:
- circumflex, small curve
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KOOR-een” /ˈkuəɾʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cuairíní (circumflexes)
- Genitive singular:
- cuairín, an chuairín (e.g. cruth an chuairín, the shape of the circumflex)
- Genitive plural:
- cuairíní, na gcuairíní (e.g. úsáid na gcuairíní, the use of the circumflexes)
What does “cuairín” mean?
“Cuairín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- circumflex
- A circumflex accent mark written over a letter, as in some other languages.Also: circumflex accent, accent mark.
1 other meaning: small curve
- 2small curve
- A little curve or bend; a diminutive of 'cuar'.Also: little bend, curl.
“Cuairín” with the article
The plural of circumflex in Irish is cuairíní. Here is cuairín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cuairín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cuairín, the Irish word for circumflex.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Circumflex in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for circumflex?
The Irish for circumflex is cuairín (pronounced “KOOR-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cuairíní. Depending on context it can also mean small curve.
How do you pronounce cuairín in Irish?
Cuairín is said like “KOOR-een” (IPA /ˈkuəɾʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of circumflex in Irish?
The plural of cuairín is cuairíní; with the article, na cuairíní means “the circumflexes”. The genitive plural is cuairíní, as in úsáid na gcuairíní (the use of the circumflexes).
Does cuairín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cuairín can mean circumflex or small curve, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cuairín change to chuairín or gcuairín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuairín becomes mo chuairín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuairín (eclipsis).
Is 'cuairín' the same as the 'síneadh fada'?
No. The síneadh fada is the acute accent used in Irish (á), while cuairín is a circumflex (â), found in languages like French.
