Fate in Irish (Cinniúint): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for fate?

The Irish for fate is cinniúint (pronounced “KIN-yoo-int”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cinniúintí. Depending on context it can also mean tragedy.

Q: What is the plural of fate in Irish?

The plural of cinniúint is cinniúintí; with the article, na cinniúintí means “the fates”. The genitive plural is cinniúintí, as in snáithe na gcinniúintí (the thread of fates).

Q: Does cinniúint have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cinniúint can mean fate or tragedy, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “fate” in Irish

Irish:: cinniúint
English:: fate, tragedy
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KIN-yoo-int” /ˈcɪnʲuːnʲtʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cinniúintí (fates)
Genitive singular:: cinniúna, na cinniúna (e.g. casadh na cinniúna, the turn of fate)
Genitive plural:: cinniúintí, na gcinniúintí (e.g. snáithe na gcinniúintí, the thread of fates)

What does “cinniúint” mean?

“Cinniúint” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

fate: The power believed to decide what happens to a person, or what is destined to happen.Also: destiny, fortune, lot.

1 other meaning: tragedy

2tragedy: A fatal or disastrous event, a calamity that befalls someone.Also: fatality, calamity, disaster.

“Cinniúint” with the article

The plural of fate in Irish is cinniúintí. Here is cinniúint after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chinniúint

the fate

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cinniúintí

the fates

Plural: no change after na

“Cinniúint” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cinniúint, the Irish word for fate.

Ba í an chinniúint a thug le chéile iad.

It was fate that brought them together.

Má bhí sé sin sa chinniúint di, dhéanfadh sí é.

If that's what fate had in store for her, she'd do it.

Ní féidir éalú ón gcinniúint.

You can't escape fate.

Is é sin mo chinniúint, is dócha.

That's my destiny, I suppose.

Ghlac sé lena chinniúint go ciúin.

He accepted his fate quietly.

Bhí cinniúint chrua i ndán don teaghlach sin.

That family had a hard fate in store.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

eagraíochtorganization breithbirth iarrachtattempt coimeádkeeping tuairiscreport moilldelay

Fate in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for fate?

The Irish for fate is cinniúint (pronounced “KIN-yoo-int”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cinniúintí. Depending on context it can also mean tragedy.

How do you pronounce cinniúint in Irish?

Cinniúint is said like “KIN-yoo-int” (IPA /ˈcɪnʲuːnʲtʲ/).

What is the plural of fate in Irish?

The plural of cinniúint is cinniúintí; with the article, na cinniúintí means “the fates”. The genitive plural is cinniúintí, as in snáithe na gcinniúintí (the thread of fates).

Does cinniúint have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cinniúint can mean fate or tragedy, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cinniúint change to chinniúint or gcinniúint?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cinniúint becomes mo chinniúint (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcinniúint (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'cinniúint' and 'dán'?

Both can mean fate or destiny; 'dán' is often used in phrases like 'bhí sé i ndán dó' (it was destined for him), while 'cinniúint' is the general noun for fate.

Is 'cinniúint' related to 'cinneadh'?

Yes, both come from the idea of determining or deciding: 'cinneadh' is a decision, 'cinniúint' is what is decided for you by fate.

Fate in Irish (Cinniúint): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage