HeyRuaHow to say “handkerchief” in Irish
- Irish:
- ciarsúr
- English:
- handkerchief, kerchief
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “keer-SOOR” /ˈciəɾˠsˠuːɾˠ/
- Plural:
- ciarsúir (handkerchiefs)
- Genitive singular:
- ciarsúir, an chiarsúir (e.g. cúinne an chiarsúir, the corner of the handkerchief)
- Genitive plural:
- ciarsúr, na gciarsúr (e.g. bosca ciarsúr, a box of handkerchiefs)
What does “ciarsúr” mean?
“Ciarsúr” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- handkerchief
- A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.Also: hanky, hankie.
1 other meaning: kerchief
- 2kerchief
- A square of cloth worn over the head or around the neck.Also: headscarf, neckerchief, scarf.
Other Irish words for handkerchief: naipcín (handkerchief)
“Ciarsúr” with the article
The plural of handkerchief in Irish is ciarsúir. Here is ciarsúr after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ciarsúr” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ciarsúr, the Irish word for handkerchief.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Handkerchief in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for handkerchief?
The Irish for handkerchief is ciarsúr (pronounced “keer-SOOR”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ciarsúir. Depending on context it can also mean kerchief.
How do you pronounce ciarsúr in Irish?
Ciarsúr is said like “keer-SOOR” (IPA /ˈciəɾˠsˠuːɾˠ/).
What is the plural of handkerchief in Irish?
The plural of ciarsúr is ciarsúir; with the article, na ciarsúir means “the handkerchiefs”. The genitive plural is ciarsúr, as in bosca ciarsúr (a box of handkerchiefs).
Does ciarsúr have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ciarsúr can mean handkerchief or kerchief, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ciarsúr change to chiarsúr or gciarsúr?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ciarsúr becomes mo chiarsúr (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gciarsúr (eclipsis).
What is the Irish for a paper tissue?
You can say 'ciarsúr páipéir', and 'ciarsúr' alone usually means a cloth handkerchief.
