HeyRuaHow to say “province” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúige
- English:
- province, fifth
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-gyuh” /ˈkuːɟə/
- Plural:
- cúigí (provinces)
- Genitive singular:
- cúige, an chúige (e.g. muintir an chúige, the people of the province)
- Genitive plural:
- cúigí, na gcúigí (e.g. foirne na gcúigí, the teams of the provinces)
What does “cúige” mean?
“Cúige” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- province
- One of the four historic provinces of Ireland (Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connacht), or a province of another country.Also: region, provincial division.
1 other meaning: fifth
- 2fifth
- In older usage, a fifth part, from the ancient idea that Ireland was divided into five parts.Also: fifth part.
“Cúige” with the article
The plural of province in Irish is cúigí. Here is cúige after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cúige” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúige, the Irish word for province.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Province in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for province?
The Irish for province is cúige (pronounced “KOO-gyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúigí. Depending on context it can also mean fifth.
How do you pronounce cúige in Irish?
Cúige is said like “KOO-gyuh” (IPA /ˈkuːɟə/).
What is the plural of province in Irish?
The plural of cúige is cúigí; with the article, na cúigí means “the provinces”. The genitive plural is cúigí, as in foirne na gcúigí (the teams of the provinces).
Does cúige have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cúige can mean province or fifth, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cúige change to chúige or gcúige?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúige becomes mo chúige (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúige (eclipsis).
Why does 'cúige' look like 'cúig' (five)?
Cúige originally meant 'a fifth', since ancient Ireland was thought of as five parts, the fifth being Mí (Meath). Today it simply means 'province'.
How do I name the provinces in Irish?
Use cúige with the genitive of the province: Cúige Uladh, Cúige Mumhan, Cúige Laighean, Cúige Chonnacht. Alone they are Ulaidh, an Mhumhain, Laighin and Connachta.
