HeyRuaHow to say “hardening” in Irish
- Irish:
- cruachan
- English:
- hardening, tempering
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cruaigh, to harden (ag cruachan, hardening)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KROO-uh-khun” /ˈkɾˠuəxənˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cruachana, na cruachana (e.g. próiseas na cruachana, the process of hardening)
What does “cruachan” mean?
“Cruachan” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hardening
- The verbal noun of cruaigh: the act or process of making something hard or becoming hard.Also: toughening, tempering, solidifying.
1 other meaning: tempering
- 2tempering
- The process of hardening metal such as steel by heating and cooling it.Also: hardening of steel, case-hardening.
“Cruachan” as a verbal noun
After ag, cruachan means hardening: it is the verbal noun of the verb cruaigh (to harden). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cruachan” with the article
Here is cruachan after the article (an t-alt).
“Cruachan” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cruachan, the Irish word for hardening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hardening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hardening?
The Irish for hardening is cruachan (pronounced “KROO-uh-khun”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean tempering.
How do you pronounce cruachan in Irish?
Cruachan is said like “KROO-uh-khun” (IPA /ˈkɾˠuəxənˠ/).
Does cruachan have a plural?
No plural form is given for cruachan in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cruachan have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cruachan can mean hardening or tempering, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cruachan change to chruachan or gcruachan?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cruachan becomes mo chruachan (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcruachan (eclipsis).
Is cruachan related to cruach, steel?
Yes, both come from the idea of hardness: cruach is steel, while cruachan is the verbal noun of cruaigh, to harden.
