HeyRuaHow to say “corner” in Irish
- Irish:
- coirnéal
- English:
- corner, colonel
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kor-NYAYL” /kɔɾˠˈnʲeːlˠ/
- Plural:
- coirnéil (corners)
- Genitive singular:
- coirnéil, an choirnéil (e.g. siopa an choirnéil, the corner shop)
- Genitive plural:
- coirnéal, na gcoirnéal
What does “coirnéal” mean?
“Coirnéal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- corner
- The place where two walls, streets or edges meet.Also: street corner, angle, nook.
“Coirnéal” with the article
The plural of corner in Irish is coirnéil. Here is coirnéal after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coirnéal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coirnéal, the Irish word for corner.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Corner in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for corner?
The Irish for corner is coirnéal (pronounced “kor-NYAYL”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coirnéil. Depending on context it can also mean colonel.
How do you pronounce coirnéal in Irish?
Coirnéal is said like “kor-NYAYL” (IPA /kɔɾˠˈnʲeːlˠ/).
What is the plural of corner in Irish?
The plural of coirnéal is coirnéil; with the article, na coirnéil means “the corners”.
Does coirnéal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coirnéal can mean corner or colonel, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coirnéal change to choirnéal or gcoirnéal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coirnéal becomes mo choirnéal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoirnéal (eclipsis).
What is the difference between coirnéal and cúinne?
Both mean corner; cúinne is more common for an inside corner of a room, while coirnéal is often used for a street corner or an outside edge.
Can coirnéal also mean colonel?
Yes, coirnéal is also the military rank of colonel, as in an Coirnéal Ó Sé, 'Colonel O'Shea'. Context tells you which meaning is meant.
