HeyRuaHow to say “cup” in Irish
- Irish:
- cupa
- English:
- cup, cup (trophy), cup-shaped part
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUP-uh” /ˈkʊpˠə/
- Plural:
- cupaí (cups)
- Genitive singular:
- cupa, an chupa (e.g. cluas an chupa, the handle of the cup)
- Genitive plural:
- cupaí, na gcupaí (e.g. sraith na gcupaí, the set of cups)
What does “cupa” mean?
“Cupa” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cup
- A small open container, usually with a handle, used for drinking tea, coffee and similar drinks.Also: teacup, mug, cupful.
2 other meanings: cup (trophy) or cup-shaped part
- 2cup (trophy)
- A cup-shaped trophy given as a prize in a competition, or the competition itself.Also: cup, trophy, cup competition.
- 3cup-shaped part
- Something shaped like a cup, such as the cup of a flower or of an acorn.Also: cup, calyx, acorn-cup.
Other Irish words for cup: cupán (cup), corn (cup), muga (mug), trófaí (trophy)
“Cupa” with the article
The plural of cup in Irish is cupaí. Here is cupa after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cupa” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cupa, the Irish word for cup.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cup in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cup?
The Irish for cup is cupa (pronounced “KUP-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cupaí. Depending on context it can also mean cup (trophy) or cup-shaped part.
How do you pronounce cupa in Irish?
Cupa is said like “KUP-uh” (IPA /ˈkʊpˠə/).
What is the plural of cup in Irish?
The plural of cupa is cupaí; with the article, na cupaí means “the cups”. The genitive plural is cupaí, as in sraith na gcupaí (the set of cups).
Does cupa have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cupa can mean cup, cup (trophy) or cup-shaped part, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cupa change to chupa or gcupa?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cupa becomes mo chupa (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcupa (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cupa' and 'muga'?
A 'cupa' is an ordinary cup, often with a saucer, while a 'muga' is a larger, heavier mug.
Is 'cupa' used for a sports trophy?
Yes, 'cupa' is used, but 'corn' is the traditional word for a trophy cup, as in 'Corn Sam Mhig Uidhir' (the Sam Maguire Cup).
