HeyRuaHow to say “nourishment” in Irish
- Irish:
- cothú
- English:
- nourishment, feeding, fostering
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cothaigh, to feed (ag cothú, feeding)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KUH-hoo” /ˈkɔhuː/
- Genitive singular:
- cothaithe, an chothaithe (e.g. easpa cothaithe, lack of nourishment)
What does “cothú” mean?
“Cothú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- nourishment
- Food or nutrition that keeps a person, animal or plant alive and healthy.Also: sustenance, nutrition, food.
2 other meanings: feeding or fostering
- 2feeding
- The verbal noun of 'cothaigh': the act of feeding, nourishing or sustaining something.Also: nourishing, sustaining, maintenance.
- 3fostering
- The act of fostering, promoting or encouraging something such as an idea, a feeling or trouble.Also: promotion, encouragement, fomenting.
“Cothú” as a verbal noun
After ag, cothú means feeding: it is the verbal noun of the verb cothaigh (to feed). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cothú” with the article
Here is cothú after the article (an t-alt).
“Cothú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cothú, the Irish word for nourishment.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Nourishment in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for nourishment?
The Irish for nourishment is cothú (pronounced “KUH-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean feeding or fostering.
How do you pronounce cothú in Irish?
Cothú is said like “KUH-hoo” (IPA /ˈkɔhuː/).
Does cothú have a plural?
No plural form is given for cothú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cothú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cothú can mean nourishment, feeding or fostering, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cothú change to chothú or gcothú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cothú becomes mo chothú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcothú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cothú' and 'cothaitheacht'?
'Cothú' is nourishment or the act of feeding, while 'cothaitheacht' is the more technical word for nutrition as a science or quality, as in 'luach cothaitheachta' (nutritional value).
Can 'cothú' be used for abstract things?
Yes, you can foster or stir up feelings and situations: 'ag cothú aighnis' means stirring up conflict, and 'cothú síochána' means fostering peace.
