HeyRuaHow to say “sadness” in Irish
- Irish:
- cian
- English:
- sadness, longing
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kee-un” /cianˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cian, an chian (e.g. ag tógáil an chian, lifting the sadness)
What does “cian” mean?
“Cian” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sadness
- A feeling of sorrow, melancholy or low spirits.Also: melancholy, sorrow, gloom, depression, low spirits.
1 other meaning: longing
“Cian” with the article
Here is cian after the article (an t-alt).
“Cian” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cian, the Irish word for sadness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sadness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sadness?
The Irish for sadness is cian (pronounced “kee-un”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean longing.
How do you pronounce cian in Irish?
Cian is said like “kee-un” (IPA /cianˠ/).
Does cian have a plural?
No plural form is given for cian in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cian have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cian can mean sadness or longing, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cian also has its own entry as an adjective meaning distant.
Why does cian change to chian or gcian?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cian becomes mo chian (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcian (eclipsis).
How do you say 'to cheer someone up' using cian?
Say 'cian a thógáil de dhuine', for example 'Thóg sé an cian díom', he cheered me up.
Is cian the same as cumha?
They overlap: cumha is more specifically homesickness or grief for something lost, while cian is general sadness or melancholy.
