Sense in Irish (Ciall): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for sense?

The Irish for sense is ciall (pronounced “kee-ul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cialla. Depending on context it can also mean meaning or reason.

Q: What is the plural of sense in Irish?

The plural of ciall is cialla; with the article, na cialla means “the senses”. The genitive plural is ciall, as in liosta na gciall (the list of meanings).

Q: Does ciall have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciall can mean sense, meaning or reason, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sense” in Irish

Irish:: ciall
English:: sense, meaning, reason
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kee-ul” /ciəl̪ˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cialla (senses)
Genitive singular:: céille, na céille (e.g. fear na céille, the man of sense)
Genitive plural:: ciall, na gciall (e.g. liosta na gciall, the list of meanings)

What does “ciall” mean?

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

sense: Good judgement and practical wisdom in how a person thinks and acts.Also: common sense, good sense, judgement, wisdom.

2 other meanings: meaning or reason

2meaning: What a word, sentence or action means or signifies.Also: sense, significance, signification.
3reason: The power of rational thought, or a sound mind; sanity.Also: sanity, senses, mind.

Other Irish words for sense: brí (meaning), braith (feel), mothaigh (feel), airigh (feel)

“Ciall” with the article

The plural of sense in Irish is cialla. Here is ciall after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chiall

the sense

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cialla

the senses

Plural: no change after na

“Ciall” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ciall, the Irish word for sense.

Tá ciall leis sin.

That makes sense.

Níl aon chiall aici.

She has no sense.

Bíodh crothán céille agat!

Have a bit of sense!

Cén chiall atá leis an abairt?

What does the sentence mean?

Tá cialla éagsúla ag an bhfocal seo.

This word has different meanings.

Chuir an scéal as a chiall é.

The news drove him out of his mind.

Níl sí ina ciall cheart inniu.

She isn't in her right mind today.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sense in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sense?

The Irish for sense is ciall (pronounced “kee-ul”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cialla. Depending on context it can also mean meaning or reason.

How do you pronounce ciall in Irish?

Ciall is said like “kee-ul” (IPA /ciəl̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of sense in Irish?

The plural of ciall is cialla; with the article, na cialla means “the senses”. The genitive plural is ciall, as in liosta na gciall (the list of meanings).

Does ciall have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ciall can mean sense, meaning or reason, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ciall change to chiall or gciall?

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

What is the difference between 'ciall' and 'brí'?

Both can mean 'meaning', but 'ciall' also means good sense, as in 'Níl ciall aige', while 'brí' also means energy or force.

How do I say 'that makes sense'?

Say 'Tá ciall leis sin'. The phrase 'cur i gcéill' means pretence.

Sense in Irish (Ciall): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage