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Primary degree in Irish (Céadchéim): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for primary degree is céadchéim, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “primary degree” in Irish

Irish:
céadchéim
English:
primary degree
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“KAYD-khaym”  /ˈceːdˌçeːmʲ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
céadchéime, na céadchéime (e.g. cúrsa céadchéime, primary degree course)

What does “céadchéim” mean?

primary degree
A first university degree, such as a bachelor's degree, taken before any postgraduate study.Also: first degree, bachelor's degree, undergraduate degree.

Other Irish words for primary degree: bunchéim (primary degree)

“Céadchéim” with the article

Here is céadchéim after the article (an t-alt).

an chéadchéim
the primary degree
Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Céadchéim” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using céadchéim, the Irish word for primary degree.

Tá céadchéim aici i stair agus i nGaeilge.
She has a primary degree in history and Irish.
Bhain sé a chéadchéim amach anuraidh.
He got his primary degree last year.
Tá céadchéim riachtanach don phost seo.
A primary degree is required for this job.
Rinne mé mo chéadchéim i nGaillimh.
I did my primary degree in Galway.
Is mac léinn céadchéime í fós.
She is still an undergraduate student.
Mairfidh an chéadchéim trí bliana.
The primary degree will last three years.
Tar éis na céadchéime rinne sé máistreacht.
After the primary degree he did a master's.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Primary degree in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for primary degree?

The Irish for primary degree is céadchéim (pronounced “KAYD-khaym”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce céadchéim in Irish?

Céadchéim is said like “KAYD-khaym” (IPA /ˈceːdˌçeːmʲ/).

Does céadchéim have a plural?

No plural form is given for céadchéim in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does céadchéim change to chéadchéim or gcéadchéim?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) céadchéim becomes mo chéadchéim (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcéadchéim (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'céim' and 'céadchéim'?

'Céim' means a degree (or a step) in general, while 'céadchéim' specifically means the first or primary university degree, as opposed to 'máistreacht' or 'dochtúireacht'.

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