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Quantum in Irish (Candam): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘candam’ also means: quantity

The Irish for quantum is candam, a masculine noun (plural candaim).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “quantum” in Irish

Irish:
candam
English:
quantum, quantity
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KAN-dum”  /ˈkan̪ˠd̪ˠəmˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
candaim (quanta)
Genitive singular:
candaim, an chandaim (e.g. teoiric an chandaim, quantum theory)
Genitive plural:
candam, na gcandam (e.g. fuinneamh na gcandam, the energy of the quanta)

What does “candam” mean?

“Candam” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

quantum
In physics, the smallest discrete amount of a quantity such as energy that can exist.Also: quantum of energy, quanta.
1 other meaning: quantity
2quantity
A fixed amount or share of something, such as an allotted portion.Also: amount, portion, ration.

“Candam” with the article

The plural of quantum in Irish is candaim. Here is candam after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an candam
the quantum
No change after an
na candaim
the quanta
Plural: no change after na

“Candam” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using candam, the Irish word for quantum.

Is candam fuinnimh é an fótón.
The photon is a quantum of energy.
Mhínigh an múinteoir an candam dúinn inniu.
The teacher explained the quantum to us today.
Tá meicnic chandamach bunaithe ar smaoineamh an chandaim.
Quantum mechanics is based on the idea of the quantum.
Scaoiltear fuinneamh ina chandaim bheaga.
Energy is released in small quanta.
Ní féidir leath candaim a bheith ann.
There cannot be half a quantum.
Léigh mé alt faoin gcandam sa leabharlann.
I read an article about the quantum in the library.
Bhí méid na gcandam an-bheag ar fad.
The size of the quanta was extremely small.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Quantum in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for quantum?

The Irish for quantum is candam (pronounced “KAN-dum”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is candaim. Depending on context it can also mean quantity.

How do you pronounce candam in Irish?

Candam is said like “KAN-dum” (IPA /ˈkan̪ˠd̪ˠəmˠ/).

What is the plural of quantum in Irish?

The plural of candam is candaim; with the article, na candaim means “the quanta”. The genitive plural is candam, as in fuinneamh na gcandam (the energy of the quanta).

Does candam have more than one meaning?

Yes. Candam can mean quantum or quantity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does candam change to chandam or gcandam?

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

How do I say 'quantum mechanics' in Irish?

Use the adjective: 'meicnic chandamach'. The noun 'candam' itself refers to a single quantum.

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