HeyRuaHow to say “help” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúnamh
- English:
- help, aid
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cúnaigh, to help (ag cúnamh, helping)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-nuv” /ˈkuːnˠəvˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cúnaimh, an chúnaimh (e.g. lucht cúnaimh, helpers)
What does “cúnamh” mean?
“Cúnamh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- help
- Help or assistance given to someone; it is also the verbal noun of the verb cúnaigh, to help.Also: aid, assistance, helping.
“Cúnamh” as a verbal noun
After ag, cúnamh means helping: it is the verbal noun of the verb cúnaigh (to help). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cúnamh” with the article
Here is cúnamh after the article (an t-alt).
“Cúnamh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúnamh, the Irish word for help.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “cúnamh”
Help in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for help?
The Irish for help is cúnamh (pronounced “KOO-nuv”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean aid.
How do you pronounce cúnamh in Irish?
Cúnamh is said like “KOO-nuv” (IPA /ˈkuːnˠəvˠ/).
Does cúnamh have a plural?
No plural form is given for cúnamh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cúnamh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cúnamh can mean help or aid, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cúnamh change to chúnamh or gcúnamh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúnamh becomes mo chúnamh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúnamh (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cúnamh, cabhair and cuidiú?
All three mean help: cúnamh is especially common in Connacht, cabhair is widespread and standard, and cuidiú is typical of Ulster and Munster.
How do I say 'help someone' with cúnamh?
Use cúnamh a thabhairt do dhuine, for example Thug sé cúnamh dom, he helped me.
