HeyRuaHow to say “curl” in Irish
- Irish:
- coirnín
- English:
- curl, bead
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOR-neen” /ˈkɔɾˠnʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- coirníní (curls)
- Genitive singular:
- coirnín, an choirnín (e.g. cruth an choirnín, the shape of the curl)
- Genitive plural:
- coirníní, na gcoirníní (e.g. cailín na gcoirníní, the girl with the curls)
What does “coirnín” mean?
“Coirnín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- curl
- A ringlet or curl of hair.Also: ringlet, lock of hair.
1 other meaning: bead
- 2bead
- A small round drop or bead, for example of sweat or water.Also: drop, droplet.
“Coirnín” with the article
The plural of curl in Irish is coirníní. Here is coirnín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coirnín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coirnín, the Irish word for curl.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Curl in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for curl?
The Irish for curl is coirnín (pronounced “KOR-neen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coirníní. Depending on context it can also mean bead.
How do you pronounce coirnín in Irish?
Coirnín is said like “KOR-neen” (IPA /ˈkɔɾˠnʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of curl in Irish?
The plural of coirnín is coirníní; with the article, na coirníní means “the curls”. The genitive plural is coirníní, as in cailín na gcoirníní (the girl with the curls).
Does coirnín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coirnín can mean curl or bead, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coirnín change to choirnín or gcoirnín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coirnín becomes mo choirnín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoirnín (eclipsis).
How is 'coirnín' different from 'dual'?
'Coirnín' is specifically a curl or ringlet, while 'dual' is a lock or tress of hair, not necessarily curled.
