HeyRuaHow to say “mouth” in Irish
- Irish:
- cab
- English:
- mouth, muzzle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kab” /kab/
- Plural:
- cabanna (mouths)
- Genitive singular:
- caib, an chaib (e.g. cúinne an chaib, corner of the mouth)
- Genitive plural:
- cabanna, na gcabanna (e.g. cúinní na gcabanna, the corners of the mouths)
What does “cab” mean?
“Cab” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- mouth
- A mouth, especially a crooked or toothless one, often used in a disparaging or humorous way.Also: gob, toothless mouth, trap.
“Cab” with the article
The plural of mouth in Irish is cabanna. Here is cab after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cab” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cab, the Irish word for mouth.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Mouth in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for mouth?
The Irish for mouth is cab (pronounced “kab”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cabanna. Depending on context it can also mean muzzle.
How do you pronounce cab in Irish?
Cab is said like “kab” (IPA /kab/).
What is the plural of mouth in Irish?
The plural of cab is cabanna; with the article, na cabanna means “the mouths”. The genitive plural is cabanna, as in cúinní na gcabanna (the corners of the mouths).
Does cab have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cab can mean mouth or muzzle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cab change to chab or gcab?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cab becomes mo chab (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcab (eclipsis).
How is 'cab' different from 'béal'?
'Béal' is the neutral word for mouth, while 'cab' is informal or disparaging, like English 'gob'. Say 'Dún do chab' to someone rudely, but 'Oscail do bhéal' at the dentist.
