HeyRuaHow to say “loss” in Irish
- Irish:
- cailleadh
- English:
- loss, death, failing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- caill, to lose (ag cailleadh, losing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KAL-yuh” /ˈkalʲə/
- Genitive singular:
- caillte, an chaillte (e.g. i mbaol a chaillte, in danger of being lost)
What does “cailleadh” mean?
“Cailleadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- loss
- The act of losing something or someone; the verbal noun of the verb caill.Also: losing, forfeiture.
2 other meanings: death or failing
- 2death
- The death or loss of a person, as in losing someone who dies; from the verbal noun of caill.Also: bereavement, passing.
- 3failing
- A failing or falling short, such as missing a chance or failing in a duty.Also: failure, missing.
Other Irish words for loss: cailliúint (loss), caill (loss), caillteanas (loss)
“Cailleadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, cailleadh means losing: it is the verbal noun of the verb caill (to lose). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cailleadh” with the article
Here is cailleadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Cailleadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cailleadh, the Irish word for loss.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Loss in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for loss?
The Irish for loss is cailleadh (pronounced “KAL-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean death or failing.
How do you pronounce cailleadh in Irish?
Cailleadh is said like “KAL-yuh” (IPA /ˈkalʲə/).
Does cailleadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for cailleadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cailleadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cailleadh can mean loss, death or failing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cailleadh change to chailleadh or gcailleadh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cailleadh becomes mo chailleadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcailleadh (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cailleadh and caillteanas?
Cailleadh is the verbal noun of caill, the act of losing, while caillteanas is the usual noun for a loss, especially a financial loss, as in caillteanas airgid.
