HeyRuaHow to say “leek” in Irish
- Irish:
- cainneann
- English:
- leek
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAN-yun” /ˈkanʲən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- cainneanna (leeks)
- Genitive singular:
- cainninne, na cainninne (e.g. anraith cainninne, leek soup)
- Genitive plural:
- cainneann, na gcainneann (e.g. praghas na gcainneann, the price of leeks)
What does “cainneann” mean?
- leek
- A vegetable related to the onion, with a long white stem and flat green leaves.Also: leeks, allium.
“Cainneann” with the article
The plural of leek in Irish is cainneanna. Here is cainneann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cainneann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cainneann, the Irish word for leek.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Leek in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for leek?
The Irish for leek is cainneann (pronounced “KAN-yun”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cainneanna.
How do you pronounce cainneann in Irish?
Cainneann is said like “KAN-yun” (IPA /ˈkanʲən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of leek in Irish?
The plural of cainneann is cainneanna; with the article, na cainneanna means “the leeks”. The genitive plural is cainneann, as in praghas na gcainneann (the price of leeks).
Why does cainneann change to chainneann or gcainneann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cainneann becomes mo chainneann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcainneann (eclipsis).
Is 'cainneann' the same as 'oinniún'?
No, 'cainneann' is a leek, while 'oinniún' is an onion. Both are related vegetables.
