HeyRuaHow to say “particle” in Irish
- Irish:
- cáithne
- English:
- particle, snowflake
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KAW-nyeh” /ˈkaːn̠ʲə/
- Plural:
- cáithní (particles)
- Genitive singular:
- cáithne, an cháithne (e.g. méid an cháithne, the size of the particle)
- Genitive plural:
- cáithní, na gcáithní (e.g. gluaiseacht na gcáithní, the movement of the particles)
What does “cáithne” mean?
“Cáithne” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- particle
- A very small piece or speck of something, such as dust, snow or chaff; also a particle in physics.Also: speck, flake, fleck, mote.
“Cáithne” with the article
The plural of particle in Irish is cáithní. Here is cáithne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cáithne” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cáithne, the Irish word for particle.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Particle in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for particle?
The Irish for particle is cáithne (pronounced “KAW-nyeh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cáithní. Depending on context it can also mean snowflake.
How do you pronounce cáithne in Irish?
Cáithne is said like “KAW-nyeh” (IPA /ˈkaːn̠ʲə/).
What is the plural of particle in Irish?
The plural of cáithne is cáithní; with the article, na cáithní means “the particles”. The genitive plural is cáithní, as in gluaiseacht na gcáithní (the movement of the particles).
Does cáithne have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cáithne can mean particle or snowflake, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cáithne change to cháithne or gcáithne?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cáithne becomes mo cháithne (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcáithne (eclipsis).
How is cáithne different from calóg?
Both can mean a flake; calóg sneachta and cáithne sneachta are both used for a snowflake, but cáithne is also the general word for a speck or a particle.
