Hoof in Irish (Crúb): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for hoof?

The Irish for hoof is crúb (pronounced “kroob”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is crúba. Depending on context it can also mean claw or paw.

Q: What is the plural of hoof in Irish?

The plural of crúb is crúba; with the article, na crúba means “the hooves”. The genitive plural is crúb, as in fuaim na gcrúb (the sound of the hooves).

Q: Does crúb have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crúb can mean hoof, claw or paw, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hoof” in Irish

Irish:: crúb
English:: hoof, claw, paw
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kroob” /kɾˠuːbˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: crúba (hooves)
Genitive singular:: crúibe, na crúibe (e.g. marc na crúibe, the mark of the hoof)
Genitive plural:: crúb, na gcrúb (e.g. fuaim na gcrúb, the sound of the hooves)

What does “crúb” mean?

“Crúb” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

hoof: The hard foot of an animal such as a horse, cow or goat.Also: hooves, cloven hoof.

2 other meanings: claw or paw

2claw: The clawed foot or paw of an animal or bird.Also: paw, talon.
3paw: A clumsy or large hand of a person, used humorously or disparagingly.Also: big hand, mitt.

“Crúb” with the article

The plural of hoof in Irish is crúba. Here is crúb after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chrúb

the hoof

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na crúba

the hooves

Plural: no change after na

“Crúb” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using crúb, the Irish word for hoof.

Tá crúb an chapaill gortaithe.

The horse's hoof is injured.

Chuala mé fuaim na gcrúb ar an mbóthar.

I heard the sound of hooves on the road.

Bhain an gabha an crú den chrúb.

The blacksmith took the shoe off the hoof.

Tá crúba scoilte ag an mbó.

The cow has cloven hooves.

Bhí dealg sáite i gcrúb an mhadra.

There was a thorn stuck in the dog's paw.

Coinnigh do chrúba amach as mo chuid bia!

Keep your paws off my food!

Chuir an capall a chrúb sa phuiteach.

The horse put its hoof in the mud.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Hoof in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hoof?

The Irish for hoof is crúb (pronounced “kroob”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is crúba. Depending on context it can also mean claw or paw.

How do you pronounce crúb in Irish?

Crúb is said like “kroob” (IPA /kɾˠuːbˠ/).

What is the plural of hoof in Irish?

The plural of crúb is crúba; with the article, na crúba means “the hooves”. The genitive plural is crúb, as in fuaim na gcrúb (the sound of the hooves).

Does crúb have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crúb can mean hoof, claw or paw, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does crúb change to chrúb or gcrúb?

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

What is the difference between crúb and crú?

Crúb is the hoof itself, while crú is a horseshoe. A crúibín is a pig's trotter, from the same root.

Can crúb be used for a person's hand?

Yes, informally: 'Coinnigh do chrúba agat féin' means keep your paws to yourself.

Hoof in Irish (Crúb): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage