Reputation in Irish (Cáil): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for reputation?

The Irish for reputation is cáil (pronounced “kawl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cáileanna. Depending on context it can also mean quality.

Q: What is the plural of reputation in Irish?

The plural of cáil is cáileanna; with the article, na cáileanna means “the reputations”. The genitive plural is cáileanna, as in meas na gcáileanna (the esteem of the reputations).

Q: Does cáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cáil can mean reputation or quality, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “reputation” in Irish

Irish:: cáil
English:: reputation, quality
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kawl” /kɑːlʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cáileanna (reputations)
Genitive singular:: cáile, na cáile (e.g. duine mór cáile, a person of great renown)
Genitive plural:: cáileanna, na gcáileanna (e.g. meas na gcáileanna, the esteem of the reputations)

What does “cáil” mean?

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

reputation: The opinion people generally have of someone or something, especially a good name or fame.Also: fame, renown, repute, name.

1 other meaning: quality

2quality: A characteristic or attribute of a person or thing.Also: attribute, characteristic.

Other Irish words for reputation: clú (reputation), teist (reputation)

“Cáil” with the article

The plural of reputation in Irish is cáileanna. Here is cáil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cháil

the reputation

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cáileanna

the reputations

Plural: no change after na

“Cáil” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cáil, the Irish word for reputation.

Tá cáil uirthi ar fud an domhain.

She is famous all over the world.

Tá cáil mhaith ar an mbialann sin.

That restaurant has a good reputation.

Bhain sé cáil amach mar scríbhneoir.

He won fame as a writer.

Chaill an comhlacht a cháil go tapa.

The company quickly lost its reputation.

Is fear mór cáile é sa cheantar.

He is a man of great renown in the area.

Ná déan dochar do mo cháil.

Don't damage my reputation.

Tá cáil an cheoltóra ag fás i gcónaí.

The musician's fame keeps growing.

Other nouns in Irish

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Reputation in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for reputation?

The Irish for reputation is cáil (pronounced “kawl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cáileanna. Depending on context it can also mean quality.

How do you pronounce cáil in Irish?

Cáil is said like “kawl” (IPA /kɑːlʲ/).

What is the plural of reputation in Irish?

The plural of cáil is cáileanna; with the article, na cáileanna means “the reputations”. The genitive plural is cáileanna, as in meas na gcáileanna (the esteem of the reputations).

Does cáil have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cáil can mean reputation or quality, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cáil change to cháil or gcáil?

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

How do I say someone is famous using 'cáil'?

Use 'tá cáil ar': 'Tá cáil air' means 'He is famous', and 'as' adds what for: 'Tá cáil uirthi as a cuid amhrán'.

What is the difference between 'cáil' and 'clú'?

Both mean reputation or fame and often overlap; 'clú' leans towards good name and honour, while 'cáil' can be good or bad, as in 'drochcháil'.

Reputation in Irish (Cáil): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage