HeyRuaHow to say “permission” in Irish
- Irish:
- cead
- English:
- permission, licence
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kyad” /cad̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- ceadanna (permissions)
- Genitive singular:
- ceada, an cheada (e.g. foirm cheada, permission form)
- Genitive plural:
- ceadanna, na gceadanna (e.g. córas na gceadanna, the permit system)
What does “cead” mean?
“Cead” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- permission
- The right or consent given to someone to do something.Also: leave, consent, allowance.
1 other meaning: licence
- 2licence
- An official document or authorisation allowing a person to do something, such as drive or fish.Also: permit, authorisation.
“Cead” with the article
The plural of permission in Irish is ceadanna. Here is cead after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cead” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cead, the Irish word for permission.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Permission in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for permission?
The Irish for permission is cead (pronounced “kyad”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceadanna. Depending on context it can also mean licence.
How do you pronounce cead in Irish?
Cead is said like “kyad” (IPA /cad̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of permission in Irish?
The plural of cead is ceadanna; with the article, na ceadanna means “the permissions”. The genitive plural is ceadanna, as in córas na gceadanna (the permit system).
Does cead have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cead can mean permission or licence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cead change to chead or gcead?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cead becomes mo chead (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcead (eclipsis).
How do I ask 'May I...?' in Irish?
Use 'An bhfuil cead agam...?', for example 'An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?' (May I go to the toilet?).
What is the difference between 'cead' and 'ceadúnas'?
'Cead' is permission in general, while 'ceadúnas' is a formal licence document, though 'cead tiomána' is also common for a driving licence.
