Hard times in Irish (Crua-aimsir): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for hard times?

The Irish for hard times is crua-aimsir (pronounced “KROO-uh-am-shir”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean severe weather.

Q: Does crua-aimsir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crua-aimsir can mean hard times or severe weather, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hard times” in Irish

Irish:: crua-aimsir
English:: hard times, severe weather
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “KROO-uh-am-shir” /ˈkɾˠuəˌamʲʃəɾʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: crua-aimsire, na crua-aimsire (e.g. le linn na crua-aimsire, during the hard times)

What does “crua-aimsir” mean?

“Crua-aimsir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

hard times: A period of hardship, distress or poverty, when life is difficult.Also: hardship, distress, adversity.

1 other meaning: severe weather

2severe weather: A spell of harsh, stormy or bitterly cold weather.Also: harsh weather, inclement weather.

Other Irish words for hard times: drochshaol (hard times)

“Crua-aimsir” with the article

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

an chrua-aimsir

the hard times

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Crua-aimsir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using crua-aimsir, the Irish word for hard times.

Bhí crua-aimsir ann le linn an Ghorta.

There were hard times during the Famine.

Sheas siad le chéile sa chrua-aimsir.

They stood together in the hard times.

Tháinig an chrua-aimsir orainn go tobann.

The hard times came upon us suddenly.

Is cuimhin le m'athair laethanta na crua-aimsire.

My father remembers the days of hardship.

Ní raibh bia go leor againn i gcrua-aimsir.

We didn't have enough food in hard times.

Cuireann crua-aimsir an geimhridh isteach ar na feirmeoirí.

The harsh winter weather affects the farmers.

Chabhraigh na comharsana linn tríd an gcrua-aimsir.

The neighbours helped us through the hard times.

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Hard times in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hard times?

The Irish for hard times is crua-aimsir (pronounced “KROO-uh-am-shir”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean severe weather.

How do you pronounce crua-aimsir in Irish?

Crua-aimsir is said like “KROO-uh-am-shir” (IPA /ˈkɾˠuəˌamʲʃəɾʲ/).

Does crua-aimsir have a plural?

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

Does crua-aimsir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crua-aimsir can mean hard times or severe weather, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does crua-aimsir change to chrua-aimsir or gcrua-aimsir?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) crua-aimsir becomes mo chrua-aimsir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcrua-aimsir (eclipsis).

Is 'crua-aimsir' only about weather?

No. Although 'aimsir' means weather, 'crua-aimsir' most often means hard times or hardship, though it can also describe a spell of harsh weather.

Hard times in Irish (Crua-aimsir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage