HeyRuaHow to say “ear” in Irish
- Irish:
- cluas
- English:
- ear, lug, hearing
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kloo-uhs” /kl̪ˠuəsˠ/
- Plural:
- cluasa (ears)
- Genitive singular:
- cluaise, na cluaise (e.g. pian chluaise, earache)
- Genitive plural:
- cluas, na gcluas (e.g. cruth na gcluas, the shape of the ears)
What does “cluas” mean?
“Cluas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- ear
- The organ on each side of the head that you hear with.Also: ears, hearing organ.
2 other meanings: lug or hearing
- 2lug
- An ear-shaped part of an object, such as a handle, lug or tab.Also: handle, tab, ear-shaped object.
- 3hearing
- Attention or listening, as in giving an ear to someone.Also: attention, ear for music.
“Cluas” with the article
The plural of ear in Irish is cluasa. Here is cluas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cluas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cluas, the Irish word for ear.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Ear in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for ear?
The Irish for ear is cluas (pronounced “kloo-uhs”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cluasa. Depending on context it can also mean lug or hearing.
How do you pronounce cluas in Irish?
Cluas is said like “kloo-uhs” (IPA /kl̪ˠuəsˠ/).
What is the plural of ear in Irish?
The plural of cluas is cluasa; with the article, na cluasa means “the ears”. The genitive plural is cluas, as in cruth na gcluas (the shape of the ears).
Does cluas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cluas can mean ear, lug or hearing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cluas change to chluas or gcluas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cluas becomes mo chluas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcluas (eclipsis).
How do I say I am listening carefully using 'cluas'?
Say 'Tá mé ag tabhairt cluas le héisteacht', literally giving an ear for listening. 'Cluas a thabhairt do dhuine' means to listen to someone.
