HeyRuaHow to say “shortcut” in Irish
- Irish:
- cóngar
- English:
- shortcut, proximity, convenience
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOAN-gur” /ˈkoːŋɡəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- cóngair (shortcuts)
- Genitive singular:
- cóngair, an chóngair (e.g. fad an chóngair, the length of the shortcut)
- Genitive plural:
- cóngar, na gcóngar (e.g. fad na gcóngar, the length of the shortcuts)
What does “cóngar” mean?
“Cóngar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- shortcut
- A shorter or quicker way to get somewhere or to do something.Also: short cut, shorter way.
2 other meanings: proximity or convenience
- 2proximity
- Nearness to a place, or the area close to it.Also: vicinity, nearness, neighbourhood.
- 3convenience
- Something handy or close at hand, a convenience.Also: handiness, accessibility.
Other Irish words for shortcut: aicearra (shortcut)
“Cóngar” with the article
The plural of shortcut in Irish is cóngair. Here is cóngar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cóngar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cóngar, the Irish word for shortcut.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shortcut in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shortcut?
The Irish for shortcut is cóngar (pronounced “KOAN-gur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cóngair. Depending on context it can also mean proximity or convenience.
How do you pronounce cóngar in Irish?
Cóngar is said like “KOAN-gur” (IPA /ˈkoːŋɡəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of shortcut in Irish?
The plural of cóngar is cóngair; with the article, na cóngair means “the shortcuts”. The genitive plural is cóngar, as in fad na gcóngar (the length of the shortcuts).
Does cóngar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cóngar can mean shortcut, proximity or convenience, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cóngar change to chóngar or gcóngar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cóngar becomes mo chóngar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcóngar (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cóngar' and 'aicearra'?
Both mean shortcut; 'aicearra' is common in Munster and in computing, while 'cóngar' is widespread and also means proximity, as in 'i gcóngar an bhaile'.
What does the proverb with 'cóngar' mean?
'Is fada an bóthar nach bhfuil cóngar ann' is said in Irish, but the more famous saying is 'An té a ghabhann cóngar ní bhíonn sé ar a bhealach', meaning shortcuts can lead you astray.
