HeyRua Get the app

Cramp in Irish (Crupán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘crupán’ also means: croup

The Irish for cramp is crupán, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “cramp” in Irish

Irish:
crupán
English:
cramp, croup
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“KRUP-awn”  /ˈkɾˠʊpˠaːnˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
crupáin, an chrupáin (e.g. pian an chrupáin, the pain of the cramp)

What does “crupán” mean?

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

cramp
A sudden painful tightening of a muscle, often in the leg or foot.Also: muscle cramp, spasm.
1 other meaning: croup
2croup
A childhood illness causing a harsh barking cough and difficulty breathing; also a cattle disease in older usage.Also: cough, contraction.

Other Irish words for cramp: crampa (cramp)

“Crupán” with the article

Here is crupán after the article (an t-alt).

an crupán
the cramp
No change after an

“Crupán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using crupán, the Irish word for cramp.

Tháinig crupán i mo chos aréir.
I got a cramp in my leg last night.
Bhí an crupán go dona ar maidin.
The cramp was bad this morning.
Bhuail crupán é agus é ag snámh.
He got a cramp while swimming.
Ní raibh mé in ann siúl leis an gcrupán.
I couldn't walk with the cramp.
D'imigh pian an chrupáin tar éis tamaill.
The pain of the cramp went after a while.
Is minic a bhíonn crupán ar reathaithe.
Runners often get cramp.
Tá crupán i mo lámh ón scríobh.
I have a cramp in my hand from writing.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Cramp in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cramp?

The Irish for cramp is crupán (pronounced “KRUP-awn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean croup.

How do you pronounce crupán in Irish?

Crupán is said like “KRUP-awn” (IPA /ˈkɾˠʊpˠaːnˠ/).

Does crupán have a plural?

No plural form is given for crupán in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does crupán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crupán can mean cramp or croup, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does crupán change to chrupán or gcrupán?

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

How do I say 'I have a cramp' in Irish?

Say 'Tá crupán orm' or specify the place: 'Tá crupán i mo chos', I have a cramp in my leg.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like crupán through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen