HeyRuaHow to say “keeping” in Irish
- Irish:
- coinneáil
- English:
- keeping, maintenance, detention, observance
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- coinnigh, to keep (ag coinneáil, keeping)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIN-yawl” /ˈkɪnʲaːlʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- coinneála, na coinneála (e.g. le linn na coinneála, during the keeping)
What does “coinneáil” mean?
“Coinneáil” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- keeping
- The verbal noun of the verb coinnigh: the act of keeping, holding or retaining something.Also: holding, retaining, retention.
3 other meanings: maintenance or detention or observance
- 2maintenance
- The act of keeping something in good condition or keeping it going.Also: upkeep, sustaining.
- 3detention
- The act of holding someone back or in custody, as in school or by the authorities.Also: custody, holding back.
- 4observance
- The keeping of a rule, custom, feast or promise.Also: keeping a rule, adherence.
Other Irish words for keeping: coimeád (keeping)
“Coinneáil” as a verbal noun
After ag, coinneáil means keeping: it is the verbal noun of the verb coinnigh (to keep). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Coinneáil” with the article
Here is coinneáil after the article (an t-alt).
“Coinneáil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coinneáil, 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 coinneáil (pronounced “KIN-yawl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean maintenance or detention or observance.
How do you pronounce coinneáil in Irish?
Coinneáil is said like “KIN-yawl” (IPA /ˈkɪnʲaːlʲ/).
Does coinneáil have a plural?
No plural form is given for coinneáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does coinneáil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coinneáil can mean keeping, maintenance, detention or observance, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coinneáil change to choinneáil or gcoinneáil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coinneáil becomes mo choinneáil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoinneáil (eclipsis).
What is the difference between coinneáil and coimeád?
Both mean keeping and are verbal nouns of coinnigh and coimeád; coinneáil is more common in Connacht and Ulster, coimeád in Munster.
How do I say 'keep an eye on'?
Use súil a choinneáil ar, for example: Coinnigh súil ar an mbainne.
