HeyRuaHow to say “guardian” in Irish
- Irish:
- caomhnóir
- English:
- guardian, conservator, patron
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KWEEV-noh-ir” /ˈkiːwˌnˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- caomhnóirí (guardians)
- Genitive singular:
- caomhnóra, an chaomhnóra (e.g. síniú an chaomhnóra, the guardian's signature)
- Genitive plural:
- caomhnóirí, na gcaomhnóirí (e.g. cearta na gcaomhnóirí, the rights of the guardians)
What does “caomhnóir” mean?
“Caomhnóir” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- guardian
- A person who protects or looks after someone or something, especially a legal guardian of a child.Also: protector, legal guardian.
2 other meanings: conservator or patron
- 2conservator
- A person who preserves or conserves something, such as heritage, nature or works of art.Also: preserver, conservationist, custodian.
- 3patron
- A protecting patron or champion, as in a patron saint or guardian angel.Also: patron saint, guardian angel.
“Caomhnóir” with the article
The plural of guardian in Irish is caomhnóirí. Here is caomhnóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caomhnóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caomhnóir, the Irish word for guardian.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Guardian in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for guardian?
The Irish for guardian is caomhnóir (pronounced “KWEEV-noh-ir”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caomhnóirí. Depending on context it can also mean conservator or patron.
How do you pronounce caomhnóir in Irish?
Caomhnóir is said like “KWEEV-noh-ir” (IPA /ˈkiːwˌnˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of guardian in Irish?
The plural of caomhnóir is caomhnóirí; with the article, na caomhnóirí means “the guardians”. The genitive plural is caomhnóirí, as in cearta na gcaomhnóirí (the rights of the guardians).
Does caomhnóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caomhnóir can mean guardian, conservator or patron, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caomhnóir change to chaomhnóir or gcaomhnóir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caomhnóir becomes mo chaomhnóir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaomhnóir (eclipsis).
What is the difference between caomhnóir and tuismitheoir?
Tuismitheoir is a parent, while caomhnóir is a guardian who has care of a child, who may or may not be a parent. Forms often say 'tuismitheoir nó caomhnóir'.
Which verb is caomhnóir related to?
It comes from caomhnaigh, 'to protect, conserve', whose verbal noun is caomhnú, 'conservation'.
