HeyRuaHow to say “kind” in Irish
- Irish:
- cineál
- English:
- kind, breed, sex, nature
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KIN-awl” /ˈcɪnʲɑːlˠ/
- Plural:
- cineálacha (kinds)
- Genitive singular:
- cineáil, an chineáil (e.g. ainm an chineáil, the name of the kind)
- Genitive plural:
- cineálacha, na gcineálacha (e.g. idirdhealú na gcineálacha, the distinction between the kinds)
What does “cineál” mean?
“Cineál” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- kind
- A sort or type of something, a group of things that share qualities.Also: sort, type, variety.
3 other meanings: breed or sex or nature
- 2breed
- A breed, strain or variety of animal or plant.Also: strain, variety, race.
- 3sex
- Sex or gender, as in male kind or female kind.Also: gender.
- 4nature
- The nature or character of a person or thing.Also: character, disposition.
Other Irish words for kind: sórt (sort), saghas (kind), lách (kind), gnaíúil (decent)
“Cineál” with the article
The plural of kind in Irish is cineálacha. Here is cineál after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cineál” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cineál, the Irish word for kind.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Kind in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for kind?
The Irish for kind is cineál (pronounced “KIN-awl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cineálacha. Depending on context it can also mean breed or sex or nature.
How do you pronounce cineál in Irish?
Cineál is said like “KIN-awl” (IPA /ˈcɪnʲɑːlˠ/).
What is the plural of kind in Irish?
The plural of cineál is cineálacha; with the article, na cineálacha means “the kinds”. The genitive plural is cineálacha, as in idirdhealú na gcineálacha (the distinction between the kinds).
Does cineál have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cineál can mean kind, breed, sex or nature, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cineál change to chineál or gcineál?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cineál becomes mo chineál (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcineál (eclipsis).
Can 'cineál' mean 'kind of' as in 'somewhat'?
Yes, colloquially 'cineál' is used adverbially: 'tá sé cineál fuar' means 'it's kind of cold'.
What is the difference between 'cineál', 'sórt' and 'saghas'?
All three mean 'kind' or 'sort' and are largely interchangeable: 'cén cineál?', 'cén sórt?', 'cén saghas?'. Note 'cineálta' is an adjective meaning 'kind, gentle'.
