HeyRuaHow to say “dialect” in Irish
- Irish:
- canúint
- English:
- dialect, accent
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAN-oon-tch” /ˈkanˠuːnʲtʲ/
- Plural:
- canúintí (dialects)
- Genitive singular:
- canúna, na canúna (e.g. saintréithe na canúna, the characteristics of the dialect)
- Genitive plural:
- canúintí, na gcanúintí (e.g. staidéar na gcanúintí, the study of the dialects)
What does “canúint” mean?
“Canúint” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- dialect
- A regional form of a language, with its own words, grammar and pronunciation.Also: regional variety, vernacular.
1 other meaning: accent
- 2accent
- The way a person or group pronounces a language, often showing where they come from.Also: brogue, way of speaking.
“Canúint” with the article
The plural of dialect in Irish is canúintí. Here is canúint after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Canúint” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using canúint, the Irish word for dialect.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Dialect in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for dialect?
The Irish for dialect is canúint (pronounced “KAN-oon-tch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is canúintí. Depending on context it can also mean accent.
How do you pronounce canúint in Irish?
Canúint is said like “KAN-oon-tch” (IPA /ˈkanˠuːnʲtʲ/).
What is the plural of dialect in Irish?
The plural of canúint is canúintí; with the article, na canúintí means “the dialects”. The genitive plural is canúintí, as in staidéar na gcanúintí (the study of the dialects).
Does canúint have more than one meaning?
Yes. Canúint can mean dialect or accent, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does canúint change to chanúint or gcanúint?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) canúint becomes mo chanúint (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcanúint (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'canúint' and 'blas'?
'Canúint' is a dialect, the whole regional variety of words and grammar, while 'blas' refers more to accent or the quality of someone's pronunciation, as in 'blas maith Gaeilge'.
