HeyRuaHow to say “head” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceann
- English:
- head, one, end, leader
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kyown” /cɑun̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- cinn (heads)
- Genitive singular:
- cinn, an chinn (e.g. tinneas cinn, a headache)
- Genitive plural:
- ceann, na gceann (e.g. cogarnach na gceann, the whispering of heads)
What does “ceann” mean?
“Ceann” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- head
- The part of the body above the neck, containing the brain, eyes and mouth.Also: skull.
3 other meanings: one or end or leader
- 2one
- Used with an adjective, demonstrative or number to mean one item or thing, as in 'an ceann seo' (this one).Also: item, thing.
- 3end
- The end, top or extremity of something, such as a road, table or period of time.Also: top, extremity, tip.
- 4leader
- A person at the head of a group; a chief or leader.Also: chief, head person.
Other Irish words for head: ceannaire (leader)
“Ceann” with the article
The plural of head in Irish is cinn. Here is ceann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceann, the Irish word for head.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “ceann”
Head in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for head?
The Irish for head is ceann (pronounced “kyown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cinn. Depending on context it can also mean one or end or leader.
How do you pronounce ceann in Irish?
Ceann is said like “kyown” (IPA /cɑun̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of head in Irish?
The plural of ceann is cinn; with the article, na cinn means “the heads”. The genitive plural is ceann, as in cogarnach na gceann (the whispering of heads).
Does ceann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceann can mean head, one, end or leader, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceann change to cheann or gceann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceann becomes mo cheann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceann (eclipsis).
How do I count objects with 'ceann'?
Use 'ceann' as a dummy noun: 'ceann amháin' (one), 'dhá cheann' (two), 'trí cinn' (three), for things without naming them.
What is the difference between 'ceann' and 'cloigeann'?
'Ceann' is the general word for head and also means 'one' or 'end'; 'cloigeann' refers more to the skull or head as a physical object.
