HeyRuaHow to say “heap” in Irish
- Irish:
- carnán
- English:
- heap, mound
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAWR-nawn” /ˈkaːɾˠn̪ˠaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- carnáin (heaps)
- Genitive singular:
- carnáin, an charnáin (e.g. barr an charnáin, the top of the heap)
- Genitive plural:
- carnán, na gcarnán (e.g. ag déanamh carnán, making heaps)
What does “carnán” mean?
“Carnán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- heap
- A pile of things heaped up together, such as stones, clothes or papers.Also: pile, stack, accumulation.
“Carnán” with the article
The plural of heap in Irish is carnáin. Here is carnán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Carnán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using carnán, the Irish word for heap.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Heap in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for heap?
The Irish for heap is carnán (pronounced “KAWR-nawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is carnáin. Depending on context it can also mean mound.
How do you pronounce carnán in Irish?
Carnán is said like “KAWR-nawn” (IPA /ˈkaːɾˠn̪ˠaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of heap in Irish?
The plural of carnán is carnáin; with the article, na carnáin means “the heaps”. The genitive plural is carnán, as in ag déanamh carnán (making heaps).
Does carnán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Carnán can mean heap or mound, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does carnán change to charnán or gcarnán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) carnán becomes mo charnán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcarnán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'carn' and 'carnán'?
'Carnán' is the diminutive of 'carn', so it usually means a smaller heap or pile, while 'carn' can also mean a large cairn of stones.
