HeyRuaHow to say “living” in Irish
- Irish:
- cónaí
- English:
- living, rest
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cónaigh, to live (ag cónaí, living)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KOH-nee” /ˈkoːniː/
- Plural:
- cónaithe
- Genitive singular:
- cónaithe, an chónaithe (e.g. áit chónaithe, place of residence)
- Genitive plural:
- cónaithe, na gcónaithe (e.g. líon na gcónaithe, the number of residences)
What does “cónaí” mean?
“Cónaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- living
- The act of living or dwelling somewhere; the verbal noun of the verb 'cónaigh' (live, reside).Also: residence, dwelling, abode, home.
1 other meaning: rest
- 2rest
- A stop or state of rest, as in coming to a halt or settling.Also: stop, stillness, pause.
Other Irish words for living: beo (alive), maireachtáil (living), marthain (existence)
“Cónaí” as a verbal noun
After ag, cónaí means living: it is the verbal noun of the verb cónaigh (to live). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cónaí” with the article
The plural of living in Irish is cónaithe. Here is cónaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cónaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cónaí, the Irish word for living.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “cónaí”
Living in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for living?
The Irish for living is cónaí (pronounced “KOH-nee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cónaithe. Depending on context it can also mean rest.
How do you pronounce cónaí in Irish?
Cónaí is said like “KOH-nee” (IPA /ˈkoːniː/).
What is the plural of living in Irish?
The plural of cónaí is cónaithe; with the article, it is na cónaithe. The genitive plural is cónaithe, as in líon na gcónaithe (the number of residences).
Does cónaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cónaí can mean living or rest, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cónaí change to chónaí or gcónaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cónaí becomes mo chónaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcónaí (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I live in Cork' using cónaí?
Say 'Tá cónaí orm i gCorcaigh' or 'Tá mé i mo chónaí i gCorcaigh'; both are standard.
Is 'i gcónaí' related to cónaí?
Yes, 'i gcónaí' means 'always' or 'still' and comes from this noun, but it is used as an adverb.
