HeyRuaHow to say “shyness” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúthaileacht
- English:
- shyness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-hil-ukht” /ˈkuːhəlʲəxt̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- cúthaileachta, na cúthaileachta (e.g. leigheas na cúthaileachta, the cure for shyness)
What does “cúthaileacht” mean?
- shyness
- The quality of being shy, timid or bashful with other people.Also: bashfulness, timidity, diffidence, coyness.
“Cúthaileacht” with the article
Here is cúthaileacht after the article (an t-alt).
“Cúthaileacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúthaileacht, the Irish word for shyness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Shyness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for shyness?
The Irish for shyness is cúthaileacht (pronounced “KOO-hil-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce cúthaileacht in Irish?
Cúthaileacht is said like “KOO-hil-ukht” (IPA /ˈkuːhəlʲəxt̪ˠ/).
Does cúthaileacht have a plural?
No plural form is given for cúthaileacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does cúthaileacht change to chúthaileacht or gcúthaileacht?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúthaileacht becomes mo chúthaileacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúthaileacht (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cúthaileacht and náire?
Cúthaileacht is shyness or bashfulness, while náire usually means shame or embarrassment. A shy person is cúthail; someone ashamed has náire.
