HeyRuaHow to say “particle” in Irish
- Irish:
- cáithnín
- English:
- particle, flake, goose flesh, poser
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAW-hneen” /ˈkaːhnʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cáithníní (particles)
- Genitive singular:
- cáithnín, an cháithnín (e.g. méid an cháithnín, the size of the particle)
- Genitive plural:
- cáithníní, na gcáithníní (e.g. luasaire cáithníní, particle accelerator)
What does “cáithnín” mean?
“Cáithnín” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- particle
- A tiny piece of matter, including a particle in physics.Also: mote, speck, grain.
3 other meanings: flake or goose flesh or poser
- 2flake
- A small flake or fleck of something, such as snow or chaff.Also: fleck, snowflake, chaff.
- 3goose flesh
- In the plural, the small bumps that appear on the skin from cold or fear.Also: goose bumps, goose pimples.
- 4poser
- A difficult question or puzzle that is hard to solve.Also: puzzle, teaser.
Other Irish words for particle: gráinne (grain), cáithne (particle)
“Cáithnín” with the article
The plural of particle in Irish is cáithníní. Here is cáithnín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cáithnín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cáithnín, 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 cáithnín (pronounced “KAW-hneen”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cáithníní. Depending on context it can also mean flake or goose flesh or poser.
How do you pronounce cáithnín in Irish?
Cáithnín is said like “KAW-hneen” (IPA /ˈkaːhnʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of particle in Irish?
The plural of cáithnín is cáithníní; with the article, na cáithníní means “the particles”. The genitive plural is cáithníní, as in luasaire cáithníní (particle accelerator).
Does cáithnín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cáithnín can mean particle, flake, goose flesh or poser, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cáithnín change to cháithnín or gcáithnín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cáithnín becomes mo cháithnín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcáithnín (eclipsis).
How do you say 'I got goose bumps' in Irish?
You can say 'Tháinig cáithníní orm' or 'Chuir sé cáithníní orm', using the plural cáithníní.
Is cáithnín related to cáith?
Yes, it is a diminutive of cáith 'chaff', so its basic idea is a tiny flake or particle.
