HeyRuaHow to say “hillock” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnocán
- English:
- hillock, heap
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KRUK-awn” /ˈkɾˠʊkɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- cnocáin (hillocks)
- Genitive singular:
- cnocáin, an chnocáin (e.g. barr an chnocáin, the top of the hillock)
- Genitive plural:
- cnocán, na gcnocán (e.g. tír na gcnocán, the land of the hillocks)
What does “cnocán” mean?
“Cnocán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- hillock
- A small hill or rise in the ground.Also: knoll, small hill, mound, hummock.
“Cnocán” with the article
The plural of hillock in Irish is cnocáin. Here is cnocán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnocán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnocán, the Irish word for hillock.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Hillock in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for hillock?
The Irish for hillock is cnocán (pronounced “KRUK-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cnocáin. Depending on context it can also mean heap.
How do you pronounce cnocán in Irish?
Cnocán is said like “KRUK-awn” (IPA /ˈkɾˠʊkɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of hillock in Irish?
The plural of cnocán is cnocáin; with the article, na cnocáin means “the hillocks”. The genitive plural is cnocán, as in tír na gcnocán (the land of the hillocks).
Does cnocán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnocán can mean hillock or heap, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cnocán change to chnocán or gcnocán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnocán becomes mo chnocán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnocán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cnoc and cnocán?
Cnoc is a hill, while cnocán, with the diminutive ending -án, is a small hill or hillock.
