HeyRuaHow to say “left” in Irish
- Irish:
- clí
- English:
- left, body
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “klee” /clʲiː/
- Genitive singular:
- clí, na clí (e.g. ar thaobh na clí, on the left side)
What does “clí” mean?
“Clí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- left
- The left side or left-hand direction; a Connacht and Ulster form of 'clé', used mainly in the phrase 'ar clí'.Also: left side, left-hand side.
“Clí” with the article
Here is clí after the article (an t-alt).
“Clí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using clí, the Irish word for left.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Left in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for left?
The Irish for left is clí (pronounced “klee”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean body.
How do you pronounce clí in Irish?
Clí is said like “klee” (IPA /clʲiː/).
Does clí have a plural?
No plural form is given for clí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does clí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Clí can mean left or body, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does clí change to chlí or gclí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) clí becomes mo chlí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gclí (eclipsis).
Should I write 'clí' or 'clé'?
The standard form for left is 'clé' (ar clé, lámh chlé); 'clí' is a dialect variant common in Connacht and Ulster speech.
What is the opposite of 'ar clí'?
The opposite is 'ar dheis', meaning on the right.
