HeyRuaHow to say “rock” in Irish
- Irish:
- carraig
- English:
- rock, rock (figurative)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAR-ig” /ˈkaɾˠəɟ/
- Plural:
- carraigeacha (rocks)
- Genitive singular:
- carraige, na carraige (e.g. barr na carraige, the top of the rock)
- Genitive plural:
- carraigeacha, na gcarraigeacha (e.g. cois na gcarraigeacha, beside the rocks)
What does “carraig” mean?
“Carraig” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- rock
- A large mass of stone, especially one standing up from the ground or the sea.Also: crag, boulder, stone.
1 other meaning: rock (figurative)
- 2rock (figurative)
- A person or thing that is firm and dependable, as in a source of strength.Also: rock, mainstay, support.
Other Irish words for rock: cloch (stone)
“Carraig” with the article
The plural of rock in Irish is carraigeacha. Here is carraig after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Carraig” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using carraig, the Irish word for rock.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Rock in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for rock?
The Irish for rock is carraig (pronounced “KAR-ig”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is carraigeacha. Depending on context it can also mean rock (figurative).
How do you pronounce carraig in Irish?
Carraig is said like “KAR-ig” (IPA /ˈkaɾˠəɟ/).
What is the plural of rock in Irish?
The plural of carraig is carraigeacha; with the article, na carraigeacha means “the rocks”. The genitive plural is carraigeacha, as in cois na gcarraigeacha (beside the rocks).
Does carraig have more than one meaning?
Yes. Carraig can mean rock or rock (figurative), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does carraig change to charraig or gcarraig?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) carraig becomes mo charraig (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcarraig (eclipsis).
What is the difference between carraig and cloch?
A 'cloch' is a stone of any size, often small enough to lift, while a 'carraig' is a large fixed rock, such as one on the shore.
Why do so many place names start with Carrick?
English 'Carrick' comes from Irish 'carraig', as in 'Carraig Mhachaire Rois' (Carrickmacross).
