HeyRuaHow to say “diary” in Irish
- Irish:
- cín
- English:
- diary, small book
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “keen” /kʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cíona (diaries)
- Genitive singular:
- cíne, na cíne (e.g. leathanaigh na cíne, the pages of the diary)
- Genitive plural:
- cíona, na gcíona (e.g. leathanaigh na gcíona, the pages of the diaries)
What does “cín” mean?
“Cín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- diary
- A small book in which you write down daily events, mostly used in the phrase 'cín lae'.Also: journal, daybook.
1 other meaning: small book
- 2small book
- A small book or manual, a literary or older use of the word.Also: manual, booklet.
Other Irish words for diary: dialann (diary)
“Cín” with the article
The plural of diary in Irish is cíona. Here is cín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cín, the Irish word for diary.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Diary in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for diary?
The Irish for diary is cín (pronounced “keen”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cíona. Depending on context it can also mean small book.
How do you pronounce cín in Irish?
Cín is said like “keen” (IPA /kʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of diary in Irish?
The plural of cín is cíona; with the article, na cíona means “the diaries”. The genitive plural is cíona, as in leathanaigh na gcíona (the pages of the diaries).
Does cín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cín can mean diary or small book, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cín change to chín or gcín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cín becomes mo chín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cín lae' and 'dialann'?
Both mean diary; 'cín lae' is the traditional term, famously in 'Cín Lae Amhlaoibh', while 'dialann' is common in modern usage, including for an appointment diary.
