HeyRuaHow to say “protective” in Irish
- Irish:
- cosantach
- English:
- protective, defensive
- Word type:
- adjective
- More protective:
- níos cosantaí
- Most protective:
- is cosantaí
- Plural:
- cosantacha
- Pronunciation:
- “KUS-un-tukh” /ˈkʊsən̪ˠt̪ˠəx/
What does “cosantach” mean?
“Cosantach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- protective
- Giving protection or guarding against harm.Also: protecting, sheltering, guarding.
1 other meaning: defensive
- 2defensive
- Intended for defence rather than attack, or defending oneself against criticism.Also: defending.
“Cosantach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is cosantach after éadach (cloth, masculine), after bean (woman, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: bean chosantach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: éadach cosantach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, cosantacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: mná cosantacha.
More protective, most protective, very protective
Tá an clogad seo níos cosantaí ná an ceann eile. This helmet is more protective than the other one.
| more protective | níos cosantaí | in the past tense: ní ba chosantaí |
|---|---|---|
| most protective | is cosantaí | in the past tense: ba chosantaí |
| as protective as | chomh cosantach le | no change after chomh |
| very protective | an-chosantach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too protective | róchosantach | ró- lenites |
“Cosantach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Protective in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for protective?
The Irish for protective is cosantach (pronounced “KUS-un-tukh”). It comes after the noun: éadach cosantach, a protective cloth; bean chosantach, a protective woman.
How do you say more protective and most protective in Irish?
níos cosantaí is more protective and is cosantaí is most protective. In the past tense they become ní ba chosantaí and ba chosantaí.
Why does cosantach become chosantach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So bean chosantach (a protective woman) but éadach cosantach (a protective cloth), because éadach is masculine.
What is the plural of cosantach?
With a plural noun cosantach becomes cosantacha: éadaí cosantacha, mná cosantacha.
How do you say very protective in Irish?
an-chosantach. Too protective is róchosantach, and as protective as is chomh cosantach le.
Does cosantach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cosantach can mean protective or defensive, depending on context; the first is the most common.
How do I say 'protective of someone' with cosantach?
Use faoi or ar: Tá sí cosantach faoina mac, she is protective of her son.
