Guilt in Irish (Ciontacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for guilt?

The Irish for guilt is ciontacht (pronounced “KIN-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean guilt (legal).

Q: Does ciontacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciontacht can mean guilt or guilt (legal), depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “guilt” in Irish

Irish:: ciontacht
English:: guilt, guilt (legal)
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KIN-tukht” /ˈkʲɪnˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: ciontachta, na ciontachta (e.g. mothú ciontachta, a feeling of guilt)

What does “ciontacht” mean?

“Ciontacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

guilt: The state or fact of being guilty of a wrong or an offence.Also: guiltiness, culpability.

1 other meaning: guilt (legal)

2guilt (legal): In law, the fact of having been found responsible for a crime.Also: guilt, conviction, culpability.

“Ciontacht” with the article

Here is ciontacht after the article (an t-alt).

an chiontacht

the guilt

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Ciontacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ciontacht, the Irish word for guilt.

Bhí ciontacht le feiceáil ina shúile.

Guilt could be seen in his eyes.

Níor admhaigh sé a chiontacht riamh.

He never admitted his guilt.

Bhí mothú ciontachta uirthi ina dhiaidh sin.

She felt guilty afterwards.

Chruthaigh an fhianaise an chiontacht gan amhras.

The evidence proved the guilt beyond doubt.

Níl aon chiontacht ormsa sa scéal.

I'm not to blame in this at all.

Tá an chiontacht ag cur as dó.

The guilt is bothering him.

Ní raibh fianaise ciontachta ag na gardaí.

The guards had no evidence of guilt.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cosaintdefence aitheantasrecognition ionsaíattack tiarnalord cléleft stocstock

Guilt in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for guilt?

The Irish for guilt is ciontacht (pronounced “KIN-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean guilt (legal).

How do you pronounce ciontacht in Irish?

Ciontacht is said like “KIN-tukht” (IPA /ˈkʲɪnˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does ciontacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for ciontacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does ciontacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciontacht can mean guilt or guilt (legal), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ciontacht change to chiontacht or gciontacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ciontacht becomes mo chiontacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gciontacht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'ciontacht' and 'cion'?

'Cion' (in this sense) means an offence or a fault, while 'ciontacht' is the state of being guilty. The adjective is 'ciontach', as in 'Tá sé ciontach', he is guilty.

How do I say 'innocence' in Irish?

The opposite of 'ciontacht' is 'neamhchiontacht', from 'neamhchiontach', innocent.

Guilt in Irish (Ciontacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage