Cruelty in Irish (Cruáil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for cruelty?

The Irish for cruelty is cruáil (pronounced “kroo-AWL”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean hardship or stinginess.

Q: Does cruáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cruáil can mean cruelty, hardship or stinginess, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “cruelty” in Irish

Irish:: cruáil
English:: cruelty, hardship, stinginess
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “kroo-AWL” /kɾuəˈaːlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cruála, na cruála (e.g. gníomh na cruála, the act of cruelty)

What does “cruáil” mean?

“Cruáil” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

cruelty: Harsh, unkind treatment that causes suffering to people or animals.Also: harshness, unkindness, brutality.

2 other meanings: hardship or stinginess

2hardship: A hard or difficult situation that causes suffering.Also: adversity, distress.
3stinginess: Meanness or unwillingness to give or spend.Also: meanness, niggardliness.

Other Irish words for cruelty: cruálacht (cruelty)

“Cruáil” with the article

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

an chruáil

the cruelty

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cruáil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cruáil, the Irish word for cruelty.

Is mór an chruáil é sin.

That's a great pity.

Ní féidir liom cruáil in aghaidh ainmhithe a fhulaingt.

I can't bear cruelty to animals.

Bhí cruáil uafásach sa scéal sin.

There was terrible cruelty in that story.

Ba ghníomh cruála é an capall a bhualadh.

Beating the horse was an act of cruelty.

D'fhulaing siad cruáil mhór le linn an Ghorta.

They suffered great hardship during the Famine.

Níl aon chruáil ag baint leis, tá sé fial.

There's no meanness in him, he's generous.

Cuireadh an fear i bpríosún as cruáil dá pháistí.

The man was jailed for cruelty to his children.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Cruelty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for cruelty?

The Irish for cruelty is cruáil (pronounced “kroo-AWL”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean hardship or stinginess.

How do you pronounce cruáil in Irish?

Cruáil is said like “kroo-AWL” (IPA /kɾuəˈaːlʲ/).

Does cruáil have a plural?

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

Does cruáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cruáil can mean cruelty, hardship or stinginess, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cruáil change to chruáil or gcruáil?

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

What does 'is mór an chruáil é' mean?

It is a common expression meaning 'it's a great pity' or 'it's a shame', not literally 'it is great cruelty'.

What is the difference between cruáil and cruálacht?

Both mean cruelty; cruálacht is used mainly for the quality of being cruel, while cruáil also covers hardship and pity.

Cruelty in Irish (Cruáil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage