HeyRuaHow to say “fond” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceanúil
- English:
- fond, affectionate
- Word type:
- adjective
- Fonder:
- níos ceanúla
- Fondest:
- is ceanúla
- Plural:
- ceanúla
- Pronunciation:
- “KAN-ool” /ˈcanˠuːlʲ/
What does “ceanúil” mean?
“Ceanúil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fond
- Having a liking or affection for someone or something, usually used with 'ar'.Also: fond of, attached, keen on.
“Ceanúil” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is ceanúil after páiste (child, masculine), after máthair (mother, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: máthair cheanúil. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: páiste ceanúil.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, ceanúla. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: máithreacha ceanúla.
Fonder, fondest, very fond
Tá sí níos ceanúla ar an madra ná mise. She is fonder of the dog than I am.
| fonder | níos ceanúla | in the past tense: ní ba cheanúla |
|---|---|---|
| fondest | is ceanúla | in the past tense: ba cheanúla |
| as fond as | chomh ceanúil le | no change after chomh |
| very fond | an-cheanúil | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too fond | rócheanúil | ró- lenites |
“Ceanúil” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Fond in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fond?
The Irish for fond is ceanúil (pronounced “KAN-ool”). It comes after the noun: páiste ceanúil, a fond child; máthair cheanúil, a fond mother.
How do you say fonder and fondest in Irish?
níos ceanúla is fonder and is ceanúla is fondest. In the past tense they become ní ba cheanúla and ba cheanúla.
Why does ceanúil become cheanúil?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So máthair cheanúil (a fond mother) but páiste ceanúil (a fond child), because páiste is masculine.
What is the plural of ceanúil?
With a plural noun ceanúil becomes ceanúla: páistí ceanúla, máithreacha ceanúla.
How do you say very fond in Irish?
an-cheanúil. Too fond is rócheanúil, and as fond as is chomh ceanúil le.
Does ceanúil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceanúil can mean fond or affectionate, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Which preposition goes with ceanúil?
Use 'ar': Tá sé ceanúil ar cheol means 'He is fond of music'.
What is the difference between ceanúil and grámhar?
'Ceanúil' usually means fond or attached, often with 'ar', while 'grámhar' stresses being loving in nature, as in 'duine grámhar'.
