HeyRuaHow to say “match” in Irish
- Irish:
- cleamhnas
- English:
- match, affinity
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KLOW-nus” /ˈclʲaunˠəsˠ/
- Plural:
- cleamhnais (matches)
- Genitive singular:
- cleamhnais, an chleamhnais (e.g. socrú an chleamhnais, the arranging of the match)
- Genitive plural:
- cleamhnas, na gcleamhnas (e.g. lucht déanta na gcleamhnas, the matchmakers)
What does “cleamhnas” mean?
“Cleamhnas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- match
- An arranged marriage, or the arrangement of a marriage between two families.Also: arranged marriage, matchmaking, marriage alliance.
1 other meaning: affinity
- 2affinity
- A family relationship created through marriage rather than blood.Also: relationship by marriage, in-laws, connection by marriage.
Other Irish words for match: báire (match), meaits (match), lasán (match), leathbhreac (equal)
“Cleamhnas” with the article
The plural of match in Irish is cleamhnais. Here is cleamhnas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cleamhnas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cleamhnas, the Irish word for match.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Match in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for match?
The Irish for match is cleamhnas (pronounced “KLOW-nus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cleamhnais. Depending on context it can also mean affinity.
How do you pronounce cleamhnas in Irish?
Cleamhnas is said like “KLOW-nus” (IPA /ˈclʲaunˠəsˠ/).
What is the plural of match in Irish?
The plural of cleamhnas is cleamhnais; with the article, na cleamhnais means “the matches”. The genitive plural is cleamhnas, as in lucht déanta na gcleamhnas (the matchmakers).
Does cleamhnas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cleamhnas can mean match or affinity, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cleamhnas change to chleamhnas or gcleamhnas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cleamhnas becomes mo chleamhnas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcleamhnas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cleamhnas and cliamhain?
Cleamhnas is the match or relationship by marriage, while cliamhain is a person: a son-in-law or in-law.
How do you say 'matchmaker'?
A matchmaker is usually babhdóir or fear déanta cleamhnais.
