Mole in Irish (Caochán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for mole?

The Irish for mole is caochán (pronounced “KEE-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caocháin. Depending on context it can also mean purblind creature.

Q: What is the plural of mole in Irish?

The plural of caochán is caocháin; with the article, na caocháin means “the moles”. The genitive plural is caochán, as in carnán caochán (molehill).

Q: Does caochán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caochán can mean mole or purblind creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “mole” in Irish

Irish:: caochán
English:: mole, purblind creature
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KEE-hawn” /ˈkiːxaːn/

Various forms

Plural:: caocháin (moles)
Genitive singular:: caocháin, an chaocháin (e.g. craiceann an chaocháin, the mole's skin)
Genitive plural:: caochán, na gcaochán (e.g. carnán caochán, molehill)

What does “caochán” mean?

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

mole: A small burrowing animal with dark velvety fur and very poor eyesight.Also: burrowing animal, talpa.

1 other meaning: purblind creature

2purblind creature: A person or creature that is half-blind or sees very poorly.Also: half-blind person, blind person.

“Caochán” with the article

The plural of mole in Irish is caocháin. Here is caochán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an caochán

the mole

No change after an

na caocháin

the moles

Plural: no change after na

“Caochán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using caochán, the Irish word for mole.

Chonaic mé caochán sa ghairdín inné.

I saw a mole in the garden yesterday.

Tá an caochán ag tochailt faoin bhféar.

The mole is digging under the grass.

Tá carnáin caochán ar fud na páirce.

There are molehills all over the field.

Ní fheiceann na caocháin go maith.

Moles don't see well.

Tá fionnadh an chaocháin an-bhog.

The mole's fur is very soft.

Leag m'athair gaiste do na caocháin.

My father set a trap for the moles.

Bíonn an caochán ina chónaí i bpoll faoin talamh.

The mole lives in a hole underground.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

feirmfarm ocrashunger foirmform spéisinterest taispeántasexhibition porttune

Mole in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for mole?

The Irish for mole is caochán (pronounced “KEE-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caocháin. Depending on context it can also mean purblind creature.

How do you pronounce caochán in Irish?

Caochán is said like “KEE-hawn” (IPA /ˈkiːxaːn/).

What is the plural of mole in Irish?

The plural of caochán is caocháin; with the article, na caocháin means “the moles”. The genitive plural is caochán, as in carnán caochán (molehill).

Does caochán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caochán can mean mole or purblind creature, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does caochán change to chaochán or gcaochán?

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

Is 'caochán' related to the word for blind?

Yes, it comes from 'caoch' (blind, purblind), since the mole was thought to be blind.

What is the Irish for a molehill?

A molehill is 'carnán caochán', literally a little heap of moles.

Mole in Irish (Caochán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage