HeyRuaHow to say “groan” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnead
- English:
- groan, pant
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “knyad” /kɲad̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- cneadanna (groans)
- Genitive singular:
- cneada, na cneada (e.g. macalla na cneada, the echo of the groan)
- Genitive plural:
- cneadanna, na gcneadanna (e.g. macalla na gcneadanna, the echo of the groans)
What does “cnead” mean?
“Cnead” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- groan
- A low sound of pain, effort or distress made in the throat.Also: moan, grunt.
1 other meaning: pant
- 2pant
- A short hard breath, as when someone is out of breath or straining.Also: gasp, heavy breathing, sigh.
“Cnead” with the article
The plural of groan in Irish is cneadanna. Here is cnead after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnead” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnead, the Irish word for groan.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Groan in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for groan?
The Irish for groan is cnead (pronounced “knyad”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cneadanna. Depending on context it can also mean pant.
How do you pronounce cnead in Irish?
Cnead is said like “knyad” (IPA /kɲad̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of groan in Irish?
The plural of cnead is cneadanna; with the article, na cneadanna means “the groans”. The genitive plural is cneadanna, as in macalla na gcneadanna (the echo of the groans).
Does cnead have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnead can mean groan or pant, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cnead also has its own entry as a verb meaning to pant.
Why does cnead change to chnead or gcnead?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnead becomes mo chnead (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnead (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cnead' and 'osna'?
'Cnead' is a groan or grunt of pain or effort, while 'osna' is a sigh, often of sadness or relief.
