HeyRuaHow to say “silence” in Irish
- Irish:
- ciúnas
- English:
- silence, calmness
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KYOO-nus” /ˈcuːnˠəsˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- ciúnais, an chiúnais (e.g. nóiméad ciúnais, a minute's silence)
What does “ciúnas” mean?
“Ciúnas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- silence
- The absence of sound or noise; a state of quiet.Also: quiet, quietness, hush.
1 other meaning: calmness
- 2calmness
- A state of peace and stillness, without disturbance.Also: stillness, calm, tranquillity.
Other Irish words for silence: tost (silence)
“Ciúnas” with the article
Here is ciúnas after the article (an t-alt).
“Ciúnas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ciúnas, the Irish word for silence.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Silence in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for silence?
The Irish for silence is ciúnas (pronounced “KYOO-nus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean calmness.
How do you pronounce ciúnas in Irish?
Ciúnas is said like “KYOO-nus” (IPA /ˈcuːnˠəsˠ/).
Does ciúnas have a plural?
No plural form is given for ciúnas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does ciúnas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ciúnas can mean silence or calmness, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ciúnas change to chiúnas or gciúnas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ciúnas becomes mo chiúnas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gciúnas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between ciúnas and tost?
Ciúnas is quiet or silence in general, the absence of noise, while tost is more specifically someone keeping silent, as in 'bí i do thost' (be quiet).
