HeyRuaHow to say “merchant” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceannaí
- English:
- merchant, buyer
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kya-NEE” /cəˈn̪ˠiː/
- Plural:
- ceannaithe (merchants)
- Genitive singular:
- ceannaí, an cheannaí (e.g. siopa an cheannaí, the merchant's shop)
- Genitive plural:
- ceannaithe, na gceannaithe (e.g. cumann na gceannaithe, the merchants' association)
What does “ceannaí” mean?
“Ceannaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- merchant
- A person who buys and sells goods as a business.Also: trader, dealer, monger.
1 other meaning: buyer
- 2buyer
- A person who buys something, a purchaser.Also: purchaser, customer.
“Ceannaí” with the article
The plural of merchant in Irish is ceannaithe. Here is ceannaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceannaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceannaí, the Irish word for merchant.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Merchant in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for merchant?
The Irish for merchant is ceannaí (pronounced “kya-NEE”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceannaithe. Depending on context it can also mean buyer.
How do you pronounce ceannaí in Irish?
Ceannaí is said like “kya-NEE” (IPA /cəˈn̪ˠiː/).
What is the plural of merchant in Irish?
The plural of ceannaí is ceannaithe; with the article, na ceannaithe means “the merchants”. The genitive plural is ceannaithe, as in cumann na gceannaithe (the merchants' association).
Does ceannaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceannaí can mean merchant or buyer, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceannaí change to cheannaí or gceannaí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceannaí becomes mo cheannaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceannaí (eclipsis).
Is 'ceannaí' related to the verb 'ceannaigh'?
Yes, 'ceannaí' comes from 'ceannaigh' (buy), so it can mean both a merchant and simply a buyer.
What is the difference between 'ceannaí' and 'siopadóir'?
'Ceannaí' is a merchant or dealer in general, while 'siopadóir' usually means a shopkeeper or, more often, a shopper.
