Hemp in Irish (Cnáib): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for hemp?

The Irish for hemp is cnáib (pronounced “kraawb”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean cannabis.

Q: Does cnáib have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cnáib can mean hemp or cannabis, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hemp” in Irish

Irish:: cnáib
English:: hemp, cannabis
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kraawb” /kɾˠɑːbʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cnáibe, na cnáibe (e.g. téad chnáibe, a hemp rope)

What does “cnáib” mean?

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

hemp: A tall plant grown for its strong fibre, used to make rope and cloth.Also: hemp plant, cannabis plant, hemp fibre.

1 other meaning: cannabis

2cannabis: The drug made from the hemp plant.Also: marijuana, hashish, pot.

“Cnáib” with the article

Here is cnáib after the article (an t-alt).

an chnáib

the hemp

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cnáib” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cnáib, the Irish word for hemp.

Fástar cnáib i go leor tíortha.

Hemp is grown in many countries.

Rinneadh an rópa seo as cnáib.

This rope was made from hemp.

Tá an chnáib mídhleathach anseo fós.

Cannabis is still illegal here.

Cheannaigh sí ola chnáibe sa siopa sláinte.

She bought hemp oil in the health shop.

Bhí boladh láidir cnáibe sa seomra.

There was a strong smell of cannabis in the room.

Tá snáithíní na cnáibe an-láidir.

Hemp fibres are very strong.

Gabhadh é le cnáib ina phóca.

He was arrested with cannabis in his pocket.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Hemp in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hemp?

The Irish for hemp is cnáib (pronounced “kraawb”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean cannabis.

How do you pronounce cnáib in Irish?

Cnáib is said like “kraawb” (IPA /kɾˠɑːbʲ/).

Does cnáib have a plural?

No plural form is given for cnáib in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does cnáib have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cnáib can mean hemp or cannabis, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cnáib change to chnáib or gcnáib?

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

What does 'cladhaire cnáibe' mean?

Literally 'hemp rogue', it means a gallows-bird, someone who deserves the hangman's rope (cnáib being the rope).

Hemp in Irish (Cnáib): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage