HeyRuaHow to say “path” in Irish
- Irish:
- cosán
- English:
- path, footpath, course
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kuh-SAWN” /kəˈsˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- cosáin (paths)
- Genitive singular:
- cosáin, an chosáin (e.g. imeall an chosáin, the edge of the footpath)
- Genitive plural:
- cosán, na gcosán (e.g. léarscáil na gcosán, the map of the paths)
What does “cosán” mean?
“Cosán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- path
- A narrow way for walking, especially across fields or open country.Also: footpath, track, trail, way.
2 other meanings: footpath or course
- 2footpath
- The paved walkway at the side of a street for pedestrians.Also: pavement, sidewalk, footway.
- 3course
- A figurative path or course of action or life.Also: way, path in life.
Other Irish words for path: conair (path)
“Cosán” with the article
The plural of path in Irish is cosáin. Here is cosán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cosán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cosán, the Irish word for path.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Path in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for path?
The Irish for path is cosán (pronounced “kuh-SAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cosáin. Depending on context it can also mean footpath or course.
How do you pronounce cosán in Irish?
Cosán is said like “kuh-SAWN” (IPA /kəˈsˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of path in Irish?
The plural of cosán is cosáin; with the article, na cosáin means “the paths”. The genitive plural is cosán, as in léarscáil na gcosán (the map of the paths).
Does cosán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cosán can mean path, footpath or course, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cosán change to chosán or gcosán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cosán becomes mo chosán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcosán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cosán and casán?
Both mean path; casán is a common variant form, while cosán is the standard headword. 'An cosán dearg a dhéanamh' means to wear a path to a place by frequent visits.
Is cosán the word for pavement?
Yes, cosán is the usual word for a pavement or footpath beside a street, as in 'siúil ar an gcosán'.
