HeyRuaHow to say “little ear” in Irish
- Irish:
- cluaisín
- English:
- little ear, auricle, tab
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KLOO-sheen” /ˈkl̪ˠuəʃiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cluaisíní (little ears)
- Genitive singular:
- cluaisín, an chluaisín (e.g. barr an chluaisín, the tip of the little ear)
- Genitive plural:
- cluaisíní, na gcluaisíní (e.g. dath na gcluaisíní, the colour of the little ears)
What does “cluaisín” mean?
“Cluaisín” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- little ear
- A small ear, or a diminutive word for an ear, often used of a child or small animal.Also: small ear, ear.
2 other meanings: auricle or tab
- 2auricle
- The auricle of the heart, an ear-shaped chamber.Also: atrium, heart chamber.
- 3tab
- A small ear-shaped projection, lug or flap on an object, used for holding, hanging or labelling.Also: lug, flap, lobe, tag.
“Cluaisín” with the article
The plural of little ear in Irish is cluaisíní. Here is cluaisín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cluaisín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cluaisín, the Irish word for little ear.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Little ear in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for little ear?
The Irish for little ear is cluaisín (pronounced “KLOO-sheen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cluaisíní. Depending on context it can also mean auricle or tab.
How do you pronounce cluaisín in Irish?
Cluaisín is said like “KLOO-sheen” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠuəʃiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of little ear in Irish?
The plural of cluaisín is cluaisíní; with the article, na cluaisíní means “the little ears”. The genitive plural is cluaisíní, as in dath na gcluaisíní (the colour of the little ears).
Does cluaisín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cluaisín can mean little ear, auricle or tab, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cluaisín change to chluaisín or gcluaisín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cluaisín becomes mo chluaisín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcluaisín (eclipsis).
How is 'cluaisín' related to 'cluas'?
'Cluaisín' is the diminutive of 'cluas' (ear), formed with the suffix -ín, so it means a little ear or an ear-shaped part.
