HeyRuaHow to say “creature” in Irish
- Irish:
- créatúr
- English:
- creature, poor creature
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KRAY-toor” /ˈkʲɾʲeːt̪ˠuːɾˠ/
- Plural:
- créatúir (creatures)
- Genitive singular:
- créatúir, an chréatúir (e.g. cos an chréatúir, the creature's leg)
- Genitive plural:
- créatúr, na gcréatúr (e.g. saol na gcréatúr, the life of the creatures)
What does “créatúr” mean?
“Créatúr” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- creature
- A living being, especially an animal or person, seen as something created.Also: being, created thing, living thing.
1 other meaning: poor creature
- 2poor creature
- A person or animal you feel pity or affection for, often said as 'an créatúr'.Also: poor thing, wretch, poor soul.
Other Irish words for creature: míol (animal)
“Créatúr” with the article
The plural of creature in Irish is créatúir. Here is créatúr after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Créatúr” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using créatúr, the Irish word for creature.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Creature in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for creature?
The Irish for creature is créatúr (pronounced “KRAY-toor”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is créatúir. Depending on context it can also mean poor creature.
How do you pronounce créatúr in Irish?
Créatúr is said like “KRAY-toor” (IPA /ˈkʲɾʲeːt̪ˠuːɾˠ/).
What is the plural of creature in Irish?
The plural of créatúr is créatúir; with the article, na créatúir means “the creatures”. The genitive plural is créatúr, as in saol na gcréatúr (the life of the creatures).
Does créatúr have more than one meaning?
Yes. Créatúr can mean creature or poor creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does créatúr change to chréatúr or gcréatúr?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) créatúr becomes mo chréatúr (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcréatúr (eclipsis).
How is 'an créatúr' used about people?
It is often used with pity or affection, like English 'the poor thing': 'Tá an créatúr tinn' means 'The poor thing is sick'.
What is the difference between 'créatúr' and 'ainmhí'?
'Ainmhí' means an animal specifically, while 'créatúr' is any created being and is often used emotionally about people too.
