HeyRuaHow to say “kitten” in Irish
- Irish:
- puisín
- English:
- kitten, lip
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “pish-EEN” /pˠɪˈʃiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- puisíní (kittens)
- Genitive singular:
- puisín, an phuisín (e.g. eireaball an phuisín, the kitten's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- puisíní, na bpuisíní (e.g. spraoi na bpuisíní, the kittens' play)
What does “puisín” mean?
“Puisín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- kitten
- A young cat, or a pet name for a cat.Also: pussy-cat, kitty, young cat.
1 other meaning: lip
- 2lip
- A lip, especially a pouting or puckered lip, as in a sulky expression.Also: pout, pouting lip.
Other Irish words for kitten: piscín (kitten)
“Puisín” with the article
The plural of kitten in Irish is puisíní. Here is puisín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Puisín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using puisín, the Irish word for kitten.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Kitten in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for kitten?
The Irish for kitten is puisín (pronounced “pish-EEN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is puisíní. Depending on context it can also mean lip.
How do you pronounce puisín in Irish?
Puisín is said like “pish-EEN” (IPA /pˠɪˈʃiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of kitten in Irish?
The plural of puisín is puisíní; with the article, na puisíní means “the kittens”. The genitive plural is puisíní, as in spraoi na bpuisíní (the kittens' play).
Does puisín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Puisín can mean kitten or lip, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does puisín change to phuisín or bpuisín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) puisín becomes mo phuisín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpuisín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'puisín' and 'piscín'?
Both mean kitten; 'piscín' is the more usual dictionary word for a young cat, while 'puisín' is often used affectionately, like 'pussy-cat'.
What does 'puisín a chur ort féin' mean?
It means to pout or to purse your lips sulkily, using the 'lip' sense of 'puisín'.
