HeyRuaHow to say “rowan” in Irish
- Irish:
- caorthann
- English:
- rowan
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAY-ruh-hun” /ˈkeːɾˠhən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- caorthainn (rowans)
- Genitive singular:
- caorthainn, an chaorthainn (e.g. caora an chaorthainn, rowan berries)
- Genitive plural:
- caorthann, na gcaorthann (e.g. duilleoga na gcaorthann, the leaves of the rowan trees)
What does “caorthann” mean?
- rowan
- A small tree with feathery leaves and clusters of bright red berries, also called the mountain ash.Also: mountain ash, rowan tree, quicken tree, sorbus.
“Caorthann” with the article
The plural of rowan in Irish is caorthainn. Here is caorthann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caorthann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caorthann, the Irish word for rowan.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Rowan in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for rowan?
The Irish for rowan is caorthann (pronounced “KAY-ruh-hun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caorthainn.
How do you pronounce caorthann in Irish?
Caorthann is said like “KAY-ruh-hun” (IPA /ˈkeːɾˠhən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of rowan in Irish?
The plural of caorthann is caorthainn; with the article, na caorthainn means “the rowans”. The genitive plural is caorthann, as in duilleoga na gcaorthann (the leaves of the rowan trees).
Why does caorthann change to chaorthann or gcaorthann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caorthann becomes mo chaorthann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaorthann (eclipsis).
Is 'caorthann' related to 'caor', a berry?
Yes, the tree is named for its berries: 'caor' means berry, and 'caora caorthainn' are rowan berries.
Why is the rowan important in Irish folklore?
The 'caorthann' was believed to protect against fairies and witchcraft, so sprigs were hung over doors and byres, especially at Bealtaine.
