HeyRuaHow to say “moss” in Irish
- Irish:
- caonach
- English:
- moss, mildew
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAY-nukh” /ˈkeːnˠəx/
- Plural:
- caonaigh (mosses)
- Genitive singular:
- caonaigh, an chaonaigh (e.g. dath an chaonaigh, the colour of the moss)
- Genitive plural:
- caonach, na gcaonach (e.g. fás na gcaonach, the growth of the mosses)
What does “caonach” mean?
“Caonach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- moss
- A small soft green plant that grows in thick mats on stones, trees and damp ground.Also: mosses.
1 other meaning: mildew
- 2mildew
- A fuzzy mould or mildew that grows on damp or decaying things.Also: mould, mold.
“Caonach” with the article
The plural of moss in Irish is caonaigh. Here is caonach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caonach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caonach, the Irish word for moss.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Moss in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for moss?
The Irish for moss is caonach (pronounced “KAY-nukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caonaigh. Depending on context it can also mean mildew.
How do you pronounce caonach in Irish?
Caonach is said like “KAY-nukh” (IPA /ˈkeːnˠəx/).
What is the plural of moss in Irish?
The plural of caonach is caonaigh; with the article, na caonaigh means “the mosses”. The genitive plural is caonach, as in fás na gcaonach (the growth of the mosses).
Does caonach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caonach can mean moss or mildew, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caonach change to chaonach or gcaonach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caonach becomes mo chaonach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaonach (eclipsis).
Is there a proverb with 'caonach'?
Yes: 'Ní chruinníonn cloch reatha caonach', a rolling stone gathers no moss.
