HeyRuaHow to say “kind” in Irish
- Irish:
- cineálta
- English:
- kind, generous
- Word type:
- adjective
- Kinder:
- níos cineálta
- Kindest:
- is cineálta
- Pronunciation:
- “KIN-awl-ta” /ˈcɪnʲɑːl̪ˠt̪ˠə/
What does “cineálta” mean?
“Cineálta” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- kind
- Friendly, gentle and caring towards other people.Also: kindly, nice, gentle, good-natured.
“Cineálta” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is cineálta after fear (man, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: bean chineálta. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: fear cineálta.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, cineálta. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant: fir chineálta; after other plurals it does not: mná cineálta.
Kinder, kindest, very kind
Tá sí níos cineálta ná a deartháir. She is kinder than her brother.
| kinder | níos cineálta | in the past tense: ní ba chineálta |
|---|---|---|
| kindest | is cineálta | in the past tense: ba chineálta |
| as kind as | chomh cineálta le | no change after chomh |
| very kind | an-chineálta | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too kind | róchineálta | ró- lenites |
“Cineálta” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Kind in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for kind?
The Irish for kind is cineálta (pronounced “KIN-awl-ta”). It comes after the noun: fear cineálta, a kind man; bean chineálta, a kind woman.
How do you say kinder and kindest in Irish?
níos cineálta is kinder and is cineálta is kindest. In the past tense they become ní ba chineálta and ba chineálta.
Why does cineálta become chineálta?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So bean chineálta (a kind woman) but fear cineálta (a kind man), because fear is masculine.
How do you say very kind in Irish?
an-chineálta. Too kind is róchineálta, and as kind as is chomh cineálta le.
Does cineálta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cineálta can mean kind or generous, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Which preposition goes with cineálta when you are kind to someone?
Use le: Bhí sé cineálta liom means 'He was kind to me'.
What is the difference between cineálta and lách?
Both mean kind; lách stresses a pleasant, affable manner, while cineálta stresses kindness and consideration towards others.
