HeyRuaHow to say “keeping” in Irish
- Irish:
- coimeád
- English:
- keeping, custody, observance
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- coimeád, to keep (ag coimeád, keeping)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KIM-ahd” /ˈkɪmʲɑːd̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- coimeádta, an choimeádta (e.g. costas coimeádta an tí, the cost of keeping the house)
What does “coimeád” mean?
“Coimeád” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- keeping
- The act of keeping, holding or retaining something; the verbal noun of the verb coimeád (keep).Also: retention, holding, retaining.
2 other meanings: custody or observance
- 2custody
- Care or safekeeping of something or someone, as in being in someone's keeping.Also: safekeeping, care, charge.
- 3observance
- The keeping or observing of a rule, custom or festival.Also: maintenance, upkeep.
Other Irish words for keeping: coinneáil (keeping)
“Coimeád” as a verbal noun
After ag, coimeád means keeping: it is the verbal noun of the verb coimeád (to keep). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Coimeád” with the article
Here is coimeád after the article (an t-alt).
“Coimeád” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coimeád, the Irish word for keeping.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Keeping in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for keeping?
The Irish for keeping is coimeád (pronounced “KIM-ahd”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean custody or observance.
How do you pronounce coimeád in Irish?
Coimeád is said like “KIM-ahd” (IPA /ˈkɪmʲɑːd̪ˠ/).
Does coimeád have a plural?
No plural form is given for coimeád in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does coimeád have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coimeád can mean keeping, custody or observance, depending on context; the first is the most common. Coimeád also has its own entry as a verb meaning to keep.
Why does coimeád change to choimeád or gcoimeád?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coimeád becomes mo choimeád (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoimeád (eclipsis).
What is the difference between coimeád and coinneáil?
Both mean keeping; coimeád is the Caighdeán and Munster form, while coinneáil (from coinnigh) is more common in Connacht and Ulster.
