Side in Irish (Cliathán): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for side?

The Irish for side is cliathán (pronounced “KLEE-uh-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cliatháin. Depending on context it can also mean flank.

Q: What is the plural of side in Irish?

The plural of cliathán is cliatháin; with the article, na cliatháin means “the sides”. The genitive plural is cliathán, as in ag cuimilt na gcliathán (rubbing the sides).

Q: Does cliathán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cliathán can mean side or flank, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “side” in Irish

Irish:: cliathán
English:: side, flank
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KLEE-uh-hawn” /ˈclʲiəhaːnˠ/

Various forms

Plural:: cliatháin (sides)
Genitive singular:: cliatháin, an chliatháin (e.g. pian an chliatháin, the pain in the side)
Genitive plural:: cliathán, na gcliathán (e.g. ag cuimilt na gcliathán, rubbing the sides)

What does “cliathán” mean?

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

side: The side of the body of a person or animal, between the ribs and the hip.Also: flank, side of the body.

2 other meanings: flank

2side: The side of a thing such as a hill, house, ship or road.Also: hillside, slope, flank.
3flank: The flank or wing of an army or formation.Also: wing.

Other Irish words for side: taobh (side), foireann (team), leataobh (one side)

“Cliathán” with the article

The plural of side in Irish is cliatháin. Here is cliathán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cliathán

the side

No change after an

na cliatháin

the sides

Plural: no change after na

“Cliathán” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cliathán, the Irish word for side.

Tá pian i mo chliathán ó mhaidin.

I've had a pain in my side since morning.

Luigh sé ar a chliathán ar an bhféar.

He lay on his side on the grass.

Bhí caoirigh ar chliathán an chnoic.

There were sheep on the side of the hill.

Luigh an bád ar a chliathán ar an trá.

The boat lay on its side on the beach.

Bhí a chliatháin ag éirí is ag ísliú.

Its sides were rising and falling.

Tá doras beag sa chliathán thoir.

There's a small door in the east side.

Bhí a mhála ar a chliathán aige.

He had his bag at his side.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Side in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for side?

The Irish for side is cliathán (pronounced “KLEE-uh-hawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cliatháin. Depending on context it can also mean flank.

How do you pronounce cliathán in Irish?

Cliathán is said like “KLEE-uh-hawn” (IPA /ˈclʲiəhaːnˠ/).

What is the plural of side in Irish?

The plural of cliathán is cliatháin; with the article, na cliatháin means “the sides”. The genitive plural is cliathán, as in ag cuimilt na gcliathán (rubbing the sides).

Does cliathán have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cliathán can mean side or flank, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cliathán change to chliathán or gcliathán?

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

What is the difference between cliathán and taobh?

Taobh is the general word for side, while cliathán is more specifically the flank of a body or the side of something like a hill or ship.

Is cliathán the same as sciathán?

No, sciathán means wing or arm, whereas cliathán means side or flank.

Side in Irish (Cliathán): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage