Harp in Irish (Cláirseach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for harp?

The Irish for harp is cláirseach (pronounced “KLAWR-shukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cláirseacha. Depending on context it can also mean woodlouse.

Q: What is the plural of harp in Irish?

The plural of cláirseach is cláirseacha; with the article, na cláirseacha means “the harps”. The genitive plural is cláirseach, as in ceol na gcláirseach (the music of the harps).

Q: Does cláirseach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cláirseach can mean harp or woodlouse, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “harp” in Irish

Irish:: cláirseach
English:: harp, woodlouse
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KLAWR-shukh” /ˈklˠɑːɾˠʃəx/

Various forms

Plural:: cláirseacha (harps)
Genitive singular:: cláirsí, na cláirsí (e.g. téada na cláirsí, the strings of the harp)
Genitive plural:: cláirseach, na gcláirseach (e.g. ceol na gcláirseach, the music of the harps)

What does “cláirseach” mean?

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

harp: A large stringed musical instrument played by plucking the strings with the fingers, a national symbol of Ireland.Also: Irish harp, stringed instrument.

1 other meaning: woodlouse

2woodlouse: A small grey creature with a hard segmented shell, found under stones and in damp places; also called 'cláirseach chapaill'.Also: slater, pill bug.

“Cláirseach” with the article

The plural of harp in Irish is cláirseacha. Here is cláirseach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chláirseach

the harp

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cláirseacha

the harps

Plural: no change after na

“Cláirseach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cláirseach, the Irish word for harp.

Seinneann m'iníon an chláirseach go hálainn.

My daughter plays the harp beautifully.

Tá cláirseach ar bhonn euro na hÉireann.

There is a harp on the Irish euro coin.

Cheannaigh sé cláirseach nua an tseachtain seo caite.

He bought a new harp last week.

Bhris ceann de théada na cláirsí aréir.

One of the harp strings broke last night.

Bhí trí chláirseach ar an stáitse.

There were three harps on the stage.

Tá ceol sa chláirseach sin fós.

There is still music in that harp.

Is iomaí cláirseach a rinne sé ina shaol.

He made many harps in his lifetime.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Harp in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for harp?

The Irish for harp is cláirseach (pronounced “KLAWR-shukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cláirseacha. Depending on context it can also mean woodlouse.

How do you pronounce cláirseach in Irish?

Cláirseach is said like “KLAWR-shukh” (IPA /ˈklˠɑːɾˠʃəx/).

What is the plural of harp in Irish?

The plural of cláirseach is cláirseacha; with the article, na cláirseacha means “the harps”. The genitive plural is cláirseach, as in ceol na gcláirseach (the music of the harps).

Does cláirseach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cláirseach can mean harp or woodlouse, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cláirseach change to chláirseach or gcláirseach?

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

What do you call a harp player in Irish?

A harpist is 'cláirseoir', for example 'Is cláirseoir cáiliúil í'.

Is there another Irish word for harp?

Yes, 'cruit' is an older or literary word for a harp or lyre, but 'cláirseach' is the usual modern word.

Harp in Irish (Cláirseach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage