HeyRuaHow to say “footstep” in Irish
- Irish:
- coiscéim
- English:
- footstep, pace
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUSH-kaym” /ˈkoʃceːmʲ/
- Plural:
- coiscéimeanna (footsteps)
- Genitive singular:
- coiscéime, na coiscéime (e.g. fuaim na coiscéime, the sound of the footstep)
- Genitive plural:
- coiscéimeanna, na gcoiscéimeanna (e.g. fuaim na gcoiscéimeanna, the sound of the footsteps)
What does “coiscéim” mean?
“Coiscéim” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- footstep
- A single step taken with the foot, or the sound of it.Also: step, tread.
1 other meaning: pace
- 2pace
- The length of a step used as a rough measure of distance.Also: stride.
Other Irish words for footstep: céim (step)
“Coiscéim” with the article
The plural of footstep in Irish is coiscéimeanna. Here is coiscéim after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coiscéim” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coiscéim, the Irish word for footstep.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Footstep in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for footstep?
The Irish for footstep is coiscéim (pronounced “KUSH-kaym”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is coiscéimeanna. Depending on context it can also mean pace.
How do you pronounce coiscéim in Irish?
Coiscéim is said like “KUSH-kaym” (IPA /ˈkoʃceːmʲ/).
What is the plural of footstep in Irish?
The plural of coiscéim is coiscéimeanna; with the article, na coiscéimeanna means “the footsteps”. The genitive plural is coiscéimeanna, as in fuaim na gcoiscéimeanna (the sound of the footsteps).
Does coiscéim have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coiscéim can mean footstep or pace, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coiscéim change to choiscéim or gcoiscéim?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coiscéim becomes mo choiscéim (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoiscéim (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'coiscéim' and 'céim'?
'Coiscéim' is a physical footstep, while 'céim' can also mean a step in a process, a degree or a rank.
How do I say 'step by step' using this word?
You can say 'coiscéim ar choiscéim', meaning gradually, one step at a time.
