HeyRuaHow to say “couple” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúpla
- English:
- couple, twins, pair
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-pluh” /ˈkuːpˠlˠə/
- Plural:
- cúplaí (couples)
- Genitive singular:
- cúpla, an chúpla (e.g. máthair an chúpla, the twins' mother)
- Genitive plural:
- cúplaí, na gcúplaí (e.g. cóisir na gcúplaí, the twins' party)
What does “cúpla” mean?
“Cúpla” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- couple
- A small number, two or a few, used before a singular noun: cúpla lá, a couple of days.Also: a few, pair, two or three.
“Cúpla” with the article
The plural of couple in Irish is cúplaí. Here is cúpla after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cúpla” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúpla, the Irish word for couple.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Couple in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for couple?
The Irish for couple is cúpla (pronounced “KOO-pluh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúplaí. Depending on context it can also mean twins or pair.
How do you pronounce cúpla in Irish?
Cúpla is said like “KOO-pluh” (IPA /ˈkuːpˠlˠə/).
What is the plural of couple in Irish?
The plural of cúpla is cúplaí; with the article, na cúplaí means “the couples”. The genitive plural is cúplaí, as in cóisir na gcúplaí (the twins' party).
Does cúpla have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cúpla can mean couple, twins or pair, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cúpla change to chúpla or gcúpla?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúpla becomes mo chúpla (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúpla (eclipsis).
Does cúpla take a singular or plural noun?
It takes the singular and does not lenite it: cúpla lá, cúpla bliain, cúpla focal.
How do I say 'a twin'?
Use leathchúpla for one twin; cúpla means the pair of twins.
