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Mist in Irish (Ceochán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘ceochán’ also means: drizzle

The Irish for mist is ceochán, a masculine noun (plural ceocháin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “mist” in Irish

Irish:
ceochán
English:
mist, drizzle
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KYOH-khawn”  /ˈcoːxaːnˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
ceocháin (mists)
Genitive singular:
ceocháin, an cheocháin (e.g. fuacht an cheocháin, the chill of the mist)
Genitive plural:
ceochán, na gceochán (e.g. séasúr na gceochán, the season of mists)

What does “ceochán” mean?

“Ceochán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

mist
A light, thin fog or haze in the air.Also: haze, light fog.
1 other meaning: drizzle
2drizzle
Very fine, light rain that seems to float in the air.Also: fine rain, mizzle.

Other Irish words for mist: ceo (fog)

“Ceochán” with the article

The plural of mist in Irish is ceocháin. Here is ceochán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ceochán
the mist
No change after an
na ceocháin
the mists
Plural: no change after na

“Ceochán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ceochán, the Irish word for mist.

Bhí ceochán ar an sliabh ar maidin.
There was mist on the mountain this morning.
D'imigh an ceochán nuair a tháinig an ghrian.
The mist cleared when the sun came out.
Ní raibh ann ach ceochán báistí.
It was only a light drizzle.
Chuamar ag siúl i lár an cheocháin.
We went walking in the middle of the mist.
Is minic ceocháin ar na portaigh san fhómhar.
Mists are common on the bogs in autumn.
Chonaic mé an teach tríd an gceochán.
I saw the house through the mist.
Bhí mo chóta fliuch ón gceochán.
My coat was wet from the drizzle.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Mist in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mist?

The Irish for mist is ceochán (pronounced “KYOH-khawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceocháin. Depending on context it can also mean drizzle.

How do you pronounce ceochán in Irish?

Ceochán is said like “KYOH-khawn” (IPA /ˈcoːxaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of mist in Irish?

The plural of ceochán is ceocháin; with the article, na ceocháin means “the mists”. The genitive plural is ceochán, as in séasúr na gceochán (the season of mists).

Does ceochán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ceochán can mean mist or drizzle, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ceochán change to cheochán or gceochán?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceochán becomes mo cheochán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceochán (eclipsis).

How is 'ceochán' different from 'ceo'?

'Ceo' is the general word for fog or mist, while 'ceochán' is a diminutive meaning a light mist or fine drizzle.

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