HeyRuaHow to say “four” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceathair
- English:
- four, four (in cards)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KYA-hir” /ˈcahəɾʲ/
- Plural:
- ceathaireanna (fours)
- Genitive singular:
- ceathair, an cheathair (e.g. cearnóg na huimhreach a ceathair, the square of the number four)
- Genitive plural:
- ceathaireanna, na gceathaireanna (e.g. líon na gceathaireanna, the number of fours)
What does “ceathair” mean?
“Ceathair” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- four
- The number four, used when counting, telling the time or naming the figure 4.Also: number four, figure four, 4.
1 other meaning: four (in cards)
- 2four (in cards)
- A playing card with four pips.Also: four, four of a suit.
“Ceathair” with the article
The plural of four in Irish is ceathaireanna. Here is ceathair after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceathair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceathair, the Irish word for four.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Four in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for four?
The Irish for four is ceathair (pronounced “KYA-hir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceathaireanna. Depending on context it can also mean four (in cards).
How do you pronounce ceathair in Irish?
Ceathair is said like “KYA-hir” (IPA /ˈcahəɾʲ/).
What is the plural of four in Irish?
The plural of ceathair is ceathaireanna; with the article, na ceathaireanna means “the fours”. The genitive plural is ceathaireanna, as in líon na gceathaireanna (the number of fours).
Does ceathair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceathair can mean four or four (in cards), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceathair change to cheathair or gceathair?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceathair becomes mo cheathair (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceathair (eclipsis).
When do I use 'ceathair' and when 'ceithre' or 'ceathrar'?
Use 'a ceathair' when counting or telling time, 'ceithre' before a noun (ceithre chat), and 'ceathrar' for four people.
