HeyRuaHow to say “music” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceol
- English:
- music, song, musical ability
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kyohl” /coːlˠ/
- Plural:
- ceolta
- Genitive singular:
- ceoil, an cheoil (e.g. grá an cheoil, the love of music)
- Genitive plural:
- ceolta, na gceolta (e.g. leabhar na gceolta, the book of songs)
What does “ceol” mean?
“Ceol” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- music
- Organised sound made by voices or instruments, played or listened to for enjoyment.Also: tune, melody, musical sound.
2 other meanings: song or musical ability
- 2song
- Singing or a song, including the sweet sound of birds or water.Also: singing, birdsong, melodious sound.
- 3musical ability
- A talent for music, as in asking whether someone has music in them.Also: musicality, musical talent.
“Ceol” with the article
The plural of music in Irish is ceolta. Here is ceol after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Ceol” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceol, the Irish word for music.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Music in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for music?
The Irish for music is ceol (pronounced “kyohl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceolta. Depending on context it can also mean song or musical ability.
How do you pronounce ceol in Irish?
Ceol is said like “kyohl” (IPA /coːlˠ/).
What is the plural of music in Irish?
The plural of ceol is ceolta; with the article, it is na ceolta. The genitive plural is ceolta, as in leabhar na gceolta (the book of songs).
Does ceol have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceol can mean music, song or musical ability, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceol change to cheol or gceol?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceol becomes mo cheol (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceol (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'ceol' and 'amhrán'?
'Ceol' is music in general, while 'amhrán' is a particular song with words. You sing 'amhrán' but play or listen to 'ceol'.
What does 'Tá ceol aige' mean?
'Tá ceol aige' means he is musical or can play or sing well.
