HeyRuaHow to say “saffron” in Irish
- Irish:
- cróch
- English:
- saffron, saffron colour
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “krohkh” /kɾoːx/
- Genitive singular:
- cróch, an chróch (e.g. praghas an chróch, the price of saffron)
What does “cróch” mean?
“Cróch” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- saffron
- A yellow-orange spice made from the dried stigmas of a crocus flower, used to colour and flavour food.Also: saffron spice.
1 other meaning: saffron colour
- 2saffron colour
- A deep yellow-orange colour like that of saffron.Also: saffron yellow, orange-yellow.
“Cróch” with the article
Here is cróch after the article (an t-alt).
“Cróch” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cróch, the Irish word for saffron.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Saffron in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for saffron?
The Irish for saffron is cróch (pronounced “krohkh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean saffron colour.
How do you pronounce cróch in Irish?
Cróch is said like “krohkh” (IPA /kɾoːx/).
Does cróch have a plural?
No plural form is given for cróch in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cróch have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cróch can mean saffron or saffron colour, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cróch change to chróch or gcróch?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cróch becomes mo chróch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcróch (eclipsis).
Is 'cróch' the same as the crocus flower?
'Cróch' usually means the spice saffron; the flower is often called 'cróch' too, but 'cróchbhláth' is used for the crocus plant.
What is a 'léine chróch'?
A 'léine chróch' is the saffron-dyed shirt traditionally associated with old Gaelic Ireland.
