Knitting in Irish (Cniotáil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for knitting?

The Irish for knitting is cniotáil (pronounced “KNIT-awl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean knitted material.

Q: Does cniotáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cniotáil can mean knitting or knitted material, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cniotáil also has its own entry as a verb meaning to knit.

How to say “knitting” in Irish

Irish:: cniotáil
English:: knitting, knitted material
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: cniotáil, to knit (ag cniotáil, knitting)
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KNIT-awl” /ˈkɾʲɪtˠaːlʲ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cniotála, na cniotála (e.g. biorán cniotála, knitting needle)

What does “cniotáil” mean?

“Cniotáil” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

knitting: The act of making cloth or garments by looping yarn with needles; it is the verbal noun of the verb cniotáil.Also: knit, knitwear making.

1 other meaning: knitted material

2knitted material: Something that has been knitted, such as a piece of knitwear in progress.Also: knitwork, knitting.

Other entries for “cniotáil”

The same spelling has its own page as:

cniotáilto knit · verb

“Cniotáil” as a verbal noun

After ag, cniotáil means knitting: it is the verbal noun of the verb cniotáil (to knit). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

cniotáilverbal noun

ag cniotáilknitting

“Cniotáil” with the article

Here is cniotáil after the article (an t-alt).

an chniotáil

the knitting

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cniotáil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cniotáil, the Irish word for knitting.

Bím ag cniotáil ar an Satharn.

I knit on Saturdays.

Chaith sí an chuid eile den tráthnóna ag cniotáil.

She spent the rest of the evening knitting.

Is breá le mo sheanmháthair cniotáil.

My grandmother loves knitting.

Tá an chniotáil seo an-deas ar fad.

This knitting is really lovely.

Cheannaigh mé snáth cniotála sa siopa inné.

I bought knitting yarn in the shop yesterday.

D'fhoghlaim mé cniotáil ar scoil.

I learned knitting at school.

Chuir sí a cuid cniotála i leataobh agus d'éirigh sí.

She put her knitting aside and got up.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cuimhnememory ríking iníondaughter saoireholiday capallhorse buíochasthanks

Knitting in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for knitting?

The Irish for knitting is cniotáil (pronounced “KNIT-awl”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean knitted material.

How do you pronounce cniotáil in Irish?

Cniotáil is said like “KNIT-awl” (IPA /ˈkɾʲɪtˠaːlʲ/).

Does cniotáil have a plural?

No plural form is given for cniotáil in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does cniotáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cniotáil can mean knitting or knitted material, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cniotáil also has its own entry as a verb meaning to knit.

Why does cniotáil change to chniotáil or gcniotáil?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cniotáil becomes mo chniotáil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcniotáil (eclipsis).

How do I say 'I am knitting' in Irish?

Use the verbal noun with ag: Tá mé ag cniotáil. The same word cniotáil is also the verb, as in Cniotáil sí geansaí, 'she knitted a jumper'.

Knitting in Irish (Cniotáil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage