HeyRuaHow to say “criticism” in Irish
- Irish:
- cáineadh
- English:
- criticism, condemnation, disparagement
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cáin, to criticise (ag cáineadh, criticising)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KAW-nyuh” /ˈkɑːnʲə/
- Plural:
- cáintí (criticisms)
- Genitive singular:
- cáinte, an cháinte (e.g. ábhar cáinte, a subject of criticism)
- Genitive plural:
- cáintí, na gcáintí (e.g. freagra na gcáintí, the response to the criticisms)
What does “cáineadh” mean?
“Cáineadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- criticism
- The act of finding fault with someone or something; the verbal noun of the verb cáin.Also: criticising, fault-finding, censure, blame.
2 other meanings: condemnation or disparagement
- 2condemnation
- Strong public disapproval or denunciation of an action or person.Also: denunciation, censure.
- 3disparagement
- Speaking badly of someone, running them down or slandering them.Also: backbiting, slander, running down.
“Cáineadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, cáineadh means criticising: it is the verbal noun of the verb cáin (to criticise). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cáineadh” with the article
The plural of criticism in Irish is cáintí. Here is cáineadh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cáineadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cáineadh, the Irish word for criticism.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Criticism in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for criticism?
The Irish for criticism is cáineadh (pronounced “KAW-nyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cáintí. Depending on context it can also mean condemnation or disparagement.
How do you pronounce cáineadh in Irish?
Cáineadh is said like “KAW-nyuh” (IPA /ˈkɑːnʲə/).
What is the plural of criticism in Irish?
The plural of cáineadh is cáintí; with the article, na cáintí means “the criticisms”. The genitive plural is cáintí, as in freagra na gcáintí (the response to the criticisms).
Does cáineadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cáineadh can mean criticism, condemnation or disparagement, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cáineadh change to cháineadh or gcáineadh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cáineadh becomes mo cháineadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcáineadh (eclipsis).
Is cáineadh related to cáin meaning tax?
Only in spelling: the verb cáin means to criticise, and cáineadh is its verbal noun, while the noun cáin (genitive cánach) means tax. Cáineadh never means taxation.
What is the opposite of cáineadh?
The opposite is moladh, praise. You might hear 'idir mholadh agus cháineadh', between praise and criticism.
