HeyRuaHow to say “cul-de-sac” in Irish
- Irish:
- caochshráid
- English:
- cul-de-sac
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KWEE-khraw-ij” /ˈkiːˌhɾˠaːdʲ/
- Plural:
- caochshráideanna (cul-de-sacs)
- Genitive singular:
- caochshráide, na caochshráide (e.g. bun na caochshráide, the end of the cul-de-sac)
- Genitive plural:
- caochshráideanna, na gcaochshráideanna (e.g. ceann na gcaochshráideanna, the end of the cul-de-sacs)
What does “caochshráid” mean?
- cul-de-sac
- A street or lane that is closed at one end, so there is no way through.Also: dead end, blind alley, dead-end street.
“Caochshráid” with the article
The plural of cul-de-sac in Irish is caochshráideanna. Here is caochshráid after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caochshráid” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caochshráid, the Irish word for cul-de-sac.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cul-de-sac in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cul-de-sac?
The Irish for cul-de-sac is caochshráid (pronounced “KWEE-khraw-ij”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is caochshráideanna.
How do you pronounce caochshráid in Irish?
Caochshráid is said like “KWEE-khraw-ij” (IPA /ˈkiːˌhɾˠaːdʲ/).
What is the plural of cul-de-sac in Irish?
The plural of caochshráid is caochshráideanna; with the article, na caochshráideanna means “the cul-de-sacs”. The genitive plural is caochshráideanna, as in ceann na gcaochshráideanna (the end of the cul-de-sacs).
Why does caochshráid change to chaochshráid or gcaochshráid?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caochshráid becomes mo chaochshráid (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaochshráid (eclipsis).
What does the 'caoch' part of caochshráid mean?
'Caoch' means blind, so caochshráid is literally a 'blind street', like English 'blind alley'.
Can caochshráid be used figuratively?
Yes, it can describe a situation with no way forward, though 'bealach caoch' is also used for a dead end.
