HeyRuaHow to say “hardness” in Irish
- Irish:
- cruas
- English:
- hardness, hardship, stinginess
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kroo-us” /kɾˠuəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cruais, an chruais (e.g. tomhas an chruais, the measurement of hardness)
What does “cruas” mean?
“Cruas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hardness
- The quality of being hard, firm or solid to the touch.Also: firmness, toughness, solidity.
2 other meanings: hardship or stinginess
- 2hardship
- Harshness or severity, as of conditions, weather or treatment.Also: harshness, severity, rigour.
- 3stinginess
- Meanness with money; being unwilling to give or spend.Also: meanness, miserliness, niggardliness.
“Cruas” with the article
Here is cruas after the article (an t-alt).
“Cruas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cruas, the Irish word for hardness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hardness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hardness?
The Irish for hardness is cruas (pronounced “kroo-us”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean hardship or stinginess.
How do you pronounce cruas in Irish?
Cruas is said like “kroo-us” (IPA /kɾˠuəsˠ/).
Does cruas have a plural?
No plural form is given for cruas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cruas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cruas can mean hardness, hardship or stinginess, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cruas change to chruas or gcruas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cruas becomes mo chruas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcruas (eclipsis).
How is 'cruas' related to 'crua'?
'Cruas' is the abstract noun formed from the adjective 'crua' (hard), so 'cruas' means hardness. Its opposite is 'boige' (softness).
