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Hook in Irish (Crúca): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘crúca’ also means: clutch

The Irish for hook is crúca, a masculine noun (plural crúcaí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “hook” in Irish

Irish:
crúca
English:
hook, clutch
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“KROO-kuh”  /ˈkɾˠuːkə/
Various forms
Plural:
crúcaí (hooks)
Genitive singular:
crúca, an chrúca (e.g. barr an chrúca, the top of the hook)
Genitive plural:
crúcaí, na gcrúcaí (e.g. bosca na gcrúcaí, the box of hooks)

What does “crúca” mean?

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

hook
A curved piece of metal or other material used for catching, holding or hanging things.Also: crook, hanger.
1 other meaning: clutch
2clutch
A grasping hand or claw, often used figuratively for someone's grip or control.Also: claw, grip, paw, hand.

Other Irish words for hook: duán (fishhook), crúcán (hook)

“Crúca” with the article

The plural of hook in Irish is crúcaí. Here is crúca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an crúca
the hook
No change after an
na crúcaí
the hooks
Plural: no change after na

“Crúca” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using crúca, the Irish word for hook.

Croch do chóta ar an gcrúca.
Hang your coat on the hook.
Tá crúca nua ar chúl an dorais.
There's a new hook on the back of the door.
Chuir sé péist ar an gcrúca.
He put a worm on the hook.
Tá na crúcaí sin róbheag.
Those hooks are too small.
Bhris barr an chrúca.
The tip of the hook broke.
Bhí an t-iasc i bhfostú sa chrúca.
The fish was caught on the hook.
Tá an crúca sin ró-ard dom.
That hook is too high for me.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Hook in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hook?

The Irish for hook is crúca (pronounced “KROO-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is crúcaí. Depending on context it can also mean clutch.

How do you pronounce crúca in Irish?

Crúca is said like “KROO-kuh” (IPA /ˈkɾˠuːkə/).

What is the plural of hook in Irish?

The plural of crúca is crúcaí; with the article, na crúcaí means “the hooks”. The genitive plural is crúcaí, as in bosca na gcrúcaí (the box of hooks).

Does crúca have more than one meaning?

Yes. Crúca can mean hook or clutch, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does crúca change to chrúca or gcrúca?

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

Is a fishing hook a 'crúca'?

You can say crúca, but the usual word for a fish hook is duán.

What does 'crúca' mean when used of a person?

It can mean a grasping hand, as in i gcrúcaí duine, in someone's clutches.

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