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Complaint in Irish (Clamhsán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘clamhsán’ also means: grumbling

The Irish for complaint is clamhsán, a masculine noun (plural clamhsáin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “complaint” in Irish

Irish:
clamhsán
English:
complaint, grumbling
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KLOW-sawn”  /ˈkl̪ˠəusˠɑːn̪ˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
clamhsáin (complaints)
Genitive singular:
clamhsáin, an chlamhsáin (e.g. cúis an chlamhsáin, the reason for the complaint)
Genitive plural:
clamhsán, na gclamhsán (e.g. liosta na gclamhsán, the list of complaints)

What does “clamhsán” mean?

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

complaint
An expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.Also: grumble, grievance, gripe.
1 other meaning: grumbling
2grumbling
The habit or act of complaining and grumbling.Also: complaining, whining, moaning.

Other Irish words for complaint: gearán (complaint), casaoid (complaint)

“Clamhsán” with the article

The plural of complaint in Irish is clamhsáin. Here is clamhsán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an clamhsán
the complaint
No change after an
na clamhsáin
the complaints
Plural: no change after na

“Clamhsán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using clamhsán, the Irish word for complaint.

Ní raibh ach clamhsán aige ó mhaidin.
He did nothing but complain since morning.
Bhí an clamhsán sin bunaithe ar fhírinne.
That complaint was based on the truth.
Stop den chlamhsán agus déan do chuid oibre.
Stop grumbling and do your work.
Fuair an siopa a lán clamhsán faoin mbia.
The shop got a lot of complaints about the food.
Ní thugaim aon aird ar do chlamhsán.
I pay no attention to your complaining.
Rinne sí clamhsán leis an mbainisteoir inné.
She made a complaint to the manager yesterday.
Tá mé tuirseach de do chuid clamhsáin.
I'm tired of your grumbling.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Complaint in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for complaint?

The Irish for complaint is clamhsán (pronounced “KLOW-sawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clamhsáin. Depending on context it can also mean grumbling.

How do you pronounce clamhsán in Irish?

Clamhsán is said like “KLOW-sawn” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠəusˠɑːn̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of complaint in Irish?

The plural of clamhsán is clamhsáin; with the article, na clamhsáin means “the complaints”. The genitive plural is clamhsán, as in liosta na gclamhsán (the list of complaints).

Does clamhsán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Clamhsán can mean complaint or grumbling, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does clamhsán change to chlamhsán or gclamhsán?

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

What is the difference between clamhsán and gearán?

Gearán is the usual word for a complaint, including a formal one, while clamhsán often suggests grumbling or moaning, a more informal and repeated complaining.

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