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Noise in Irish (Callán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘callán’ also means: fuss

The Irish for noise is callán, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “noise” in Irish

Irish:
callán
English:
noise, fuss
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KAL-awn”  /ˈkal̪ˠaːn̪ˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
calláin, an challáin (e.g. foinse an challáin, the source of the noise)

What does “callán” mean?

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

noise
A loud, unpleasant or confused sound, such as a racket or clamour.Also: racket, clamour, din, uproar.
1 other meaning: fuss
2fuss
A loud complaint or commotion made about something.Also: outcry, commotion, row.

Other Irish words for noise: fuaim (sound), fothram (noise), torann (noise), gleo (noise)

“Callán” with the article

Here is callán after the article (an t-alt).

an callán
the noise
No change after an

“Callán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using callán, the Irish word for noise.

Bhí callán uafásach sa tsráid aréir.
There was a terrible racket in the street last night.
Ná déan callán, tá an leanbh ina chodladh.
Don't make noise, the baby is asleep.
Níor chodail mé de bharr an challáin.
I didn't sleep because of the noise.
Cad é an callán sin amuigh?
What's that racket outside?
Thóg siad callán mór faoin gcáin nua.
They made a big fuss about the new tax.
Bhí an iomarca calláin sa seomra ranga.
There was too much noise in the classroom.
Chuir an callán isteach go mór orm.
The noise really bothered me.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Noise in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for noise?

The Irish for noise is callán (pronounced “KAL-awn”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean fuss.

How do you pronounce callán in Irish?

Callán is said like “KAL-awn” (IPA /ˈkal̪ˠaːn̪ˠ/).

Does callán have a plural?

No plural form is given for callán in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does callán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Callán can mean noise or fuss, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does callán change to challán or gcallán?

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

What is the difference between 'callán' and 'torann'?

'Torann' is the general word for noise, while 'callán' suggests a racket or clamour, often of voices, and can also mean a fuss, as in 'callán a thógáil'.

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