Reversing in Irish (Cúlú): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for reversing?

The Irish for reversing is cúlú (pronounced “KOO-loo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúluithe. Depending on context it can also mean recession or regression.

Q: What is the plural of reversing in Irish?

The plural of cúlú is cúluithe; with the article, it is na cúluithe. The genitive plural is cúluithe, as in líon na gcúluithe (the number of reversals).

Q: Does cúlú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cúlú can mean reversing, recession or regression, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “reversing” in Irish

Irish:: cúlú
English:: reversing, recession, regression
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: cúlaigh, to back (ag cúlú, backing)
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “KOO-loo” /ˈkuːl̪ˠuː/

Various forms

Plural:: cúluithe
Genitive singular:: cúlaithe, an chúlaithe (e.g. solas an chúlaithe, the reversing light)
Genitive plural:: cúluithe, na gcúluithe (e.g. líon na gcúluithe, the number of reversals)

What does “cúlú” mean?

“Cúlú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

reversing: The act of moving or going backwards; verbal noun of the verb 'cúlaigh'.Also: backing, retreat, withdrawal.

2 other meanings: recession or regression

2recession: A period when a country's economy shrinks and business activity falls.Also: economic downturn, slump.
3regression: A falling back to an earlier or worse state.Also: decline, setback.

“Cúlú” as a verbal noun

After ag, cúlú means backing: it is the verbal noun of the verb cúlaigh (to back). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

cúlúverbal noun

ag cúlúbacking

“Cúlú” with the article

The plural of reversing in Irish is cúluithe. Here is cúlú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cúlú

the reversing

No change after an

na cúluithe

the reversing (plural)

Plural: no change after na

“Cúlú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cúlú, the Irish word for reversing.

Bhí cúlú mór sa gheilleagar anuraidh.

There was a big recession in the economy last year.

Thosaigh an cúlú i 2008.

The recession began in 2008.

Chaill go leor daoine a bpost le linn an chúlaithe.

Many people lost their jobs during the recession.

Bhí cúlú an chairr deacair san áit chúng.

Reversing the car was difficult in the tight spot.

Tháinig dhá chúlú i ndiaidh a chéile.

Two recessions came one after another.

Táimid i gcúlú anois, de réir na saineolaithe.

We are in recession now, according to the experts.

Bhí cúlú an chairr deacair sa chlós cúng.

Reversing the car was difficult in the narrow yard.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

dlílaw ealaínart clogclock iarratasapplication coinneappointment feadhextent

Reversing in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for reversing?

The Irish for reversing is cúlú (pronounced “KOO-loo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cúluithe. Depending on context it can also mean recession or regression.

How do you pronounce cúlú in Irish?

Cúlú is said like “KOO-loo” (IPA /ˈkuːl̪ˠuː/).

What is the plural of reversing in Irish?

The plural of cúlú is cúluithe; with the article, it is na cúluithe. The genitive plural is cúluithe, as in líon na gcúluithe (the number of reversals).

Does cúlú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cúlú can mean reversing, recession or regression, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cúlú change to chúlú or gcúlú?

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

Is 'cúlú' the usual word for an economic recession?

Yes, 'cúlú' or 'cúlú eacnamaíochta' is the standard term, while 'meathlú' suggests a broader decline or decay.

Reversing in Irish (Cúlú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage