Race in Irish (Cine): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for race?

The Irish for race is cine (pronounced “KIN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ciníocha. Depending on context it can also mean tribe.

Q: What is the plural of race in Irish?

The plural of cine is ciníocha; with the article, na ciníocha means “the races”. The genitive plural is ciníocha, as in cearta na gciníocha (the rights of the races).

Q: Does cine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cine can mean race or tribe, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “race” in Irish

Irish:: cine
English:: race, tribe
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “KIN-yuh” /ˈcɪnʲə/

Various forms

Plural:: ciníocha (races)
Genitive singular:: cine, an chine (e.g. stair an chine, the history of the race)
Genitive plural:: ciníocha, na gciníocha (e.g. cearta na gciníocha, the rights of the races)

What does “cine” mean?

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

race: A large group of people regarded as sharing common descent or physical characteristics.Also: ethnic group, people, ethnicity.

1 other meaning: tribe

2tribe: A people, nation or kindred sharing common ancestry.Also: nation, kindred, lineage.

Other Irish words for race: rith (run), rás (race), rásáil (racing), rásaíocht (racing)

“Cine” with the article

The plural of race in Irish is ciníocha. Here is cine after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cine

the race

No change after an

na ciníocha

the races

Plural: no change after na

“Cine” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cine, the Irish word for race.

Ní phléitear cine go poiblí i Meiriceá.

Race isn't discussed publicly in America.

Bhí daoine de gach cine ag an gcruinniú.

There were people of every race at the meeting.

Ní ceart idirdhealú a dhéanamh ar bhonn cine.

It isn't right to discriminate on the basis of race.

Bhíomar ag foghlaim faoi stair an chine ghoirm.

We were learning about the history of black people.

Tá go leor ciníocha difriúla ina gcónaí sa chathair.

Many different races live in the city.

Ba mise an t-aon duine den chine gheal ann.

I was the only white person there.

Ba cheart go mbeadh cearta comhionanna ag gach cine.

Every race should have equal rights.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

íomháimage cathaoirleachchairperson duineperson bailehome ceannhead cuidpart

Race in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for race?

The Irish for race is cine (pronounced “KIN-yuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ciníocha. Depending on context it can also mean tribe.

How do you pronounce cine in Irish?

Cine is said like “KIN-yuh” (IPA /ˈcɪnʲə/).

What is the plural of race in Irish?

The plural of cine is ciníocha; with the article, na ciníocha means “the races”. The genitive plural is ciníocha, as in cearta na gciníocha (the rights of the races).

Does cine have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cine can mean race or tribe, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cine change to chine or gcine?

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

How do I say 'the human race' in Irish?

Say 'an cine daonna'. Its genitive is 'an chine dhaonna', as in 'stair an chine dhaonna'.

What is the word for racism?

Racism is 'ciníochas', and a racist is 'ciníochaí'; both come from 'cine'.

Race in Irish (Cine): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage