HeyRuaHow to say “cup” in Irish
- Irish:
- cupán
- English:
- cup, cupful
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUP-awn” /ˈkʊpˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- cupáin (cups)
- Genitive singular:
- cupáin, an chupáin (e.g. cluas an chupáin, the handle of the cup)
- Genitive plural:
- cupán, na gcupán (e.g. tacar na gcupán, the set of cups)
What does “cupán” mean?
“Cupán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cup
- A small open container with a handle, used for drinking tea, coffee and other drinks.Also: teacup, mug, coffee cup.
“Cupán” with the article
The plural of cup in Irish is cupáin. Here is cupán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cupán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cupán, the Irish word for cup.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “cupán”
Cup in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cup?
The Irish for cup is cupán (pronounced “KUP-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cupáin. Depending on context it can also mean cupful.
How do you pronounce cupán in Irish?
Cupán is said like “KUP-awn” (IPA /ˈkʊpˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of cup in Irish?
The plural of cupán is cupáin; with the article, na cupáin means “the cups”. The genitive plural is cupán, as in tacar na gcupán (the set of cups).
Does cupán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cupán can mean cup or cupful, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cupán change to chupán or gcupán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cupán becomes mo chupán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcupán (eclipsis).
How do I say 'a cup of tea' in Irish?
Say 'cupán tae'; the word for the drink simply follows 'cupán' with no word for 'of', as in 'cupán caife' for a cup of coffee.
Is a trophy cup also 'cupán'?
No, a sports trophy is usually 'corn', as in 'Corn Sam Mhig Uidhir', while 'cupán' is the drinking cup.
