HeyRuaHow to say “cross” in Irish
- Irish:
- cros
- English:
- cross, crosspiece, affliction, prohibition
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kross” /kɾˠɔsˠ/
- Plural:
- crosa (crosses)
- Genitive singular:
- croise, na croise (e.g. comhartha na croise, the sign of the cross)
- Genitive plural:
- cros, na gcros (e.g. líon na gcros, the number of crosses)
What does “cros” mean?
“Cros” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cross
- A shape or object made of two lines or bars crossing each other, especially the Christian symbol.Also: crucifix, cross shape, x mark.
3 other meanings: crosspiece or affliction or prohibition
- 2crosspiece
- A bar or piece of wood or metal that lies across another.Also: crossbar, cross-beam.
- 3affliction
- A trial or burden that someone has to bear in life.Also: trial, burden, cross to bear.
- 4prohibition
- A ban or restriction placed on something.Also: ban, interdiction.
Other Irish words for cross: trasnaigh (cross), crosóg (small cross), crosáil (cross), feargach (angry)
“Cros” with the article
The plural of cross in Irish is crosa. Here is cros after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cros” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cros, the Irish word for cross.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cross in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cross?
The Irish for cross is cros (pronounced “kross”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is crosa. Depending on context it can also mean crosspiece or affliction or prohibition.
How do you pronounce cros in Irish?
Cros is said like “kross” (IPA /kɾˠɔsˠ/).
What is the plural of cross in Irish?
The plural of cros is crosa; with the article, na crosa means “the crosses”. The genitive plural is cros, as in líon na gcros (the number of crosses).
Does cros have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cros can mean cross, crosspiece, affliction or prohibition, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cros also has its own entry as a verb meaning to forbid.
Why does cros change to chros or gcros?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cros becomes mo chros (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcros (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cros and crois?
Both mean 'cross'; crois is a common variant, especially in phrases like 'ar crois' (crosswise) and in Munster usage, while cros is the main headword.
How do I say 'the Red Cross' in Irish?
It is 'an Chros Dhearg', with lenition because cros is feminine.
