HeyRuaHow to say “skeleton” in Irish
- Irish:
- cnámhlach
- English:
- skeleton, framework, emaciated person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “KNAWV-lukh” /ˈkn̪ˠɑːw̃l̪ˠəx/
- Plural:
- cnámhlacha (skeletons)
- Genitive singular:
- cnámhlaí, na cnámhlaí (e.g. cnámha na cnámhlaí, the bones of the skeleton)
- Genitive plural:
- cnámhlach, na gcnámhlach (e.g. bailiúchán na gcnámhlach, the collection of skeletons)
What does “cnámhlach” mean?
“Cnámhlach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- skeleton
- The framework of bones that supports the body of a person or animal.Also: bones, bony frame.
2 other meanings: framework or emaciated person
- 2framework
- The basic frame or outline of something, such as a building, ship or plan.Also: frame, outline, skeleton.
- 3emaciated person
- A very thin, bony person or animal, a mere skeleton.Also: bag of bones, skinny person.
Other Irish words for skeleton: cnámharlach (skeleton)
“Cnámhlach” with the article
The plural of skeleton in Irish is cnámhlacha. Here is cnámhlach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cnámhlach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cnámhlach, the Irish word for skeleton.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Skeleton in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for skeleton?
The Irish for skeleton is cnámhlach (pronounced “KNAWV-lukh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cnámhlacha. Depending on context it can also mean framework or emaciated person.
How do you pronounce cnámhlach in Irish?
Cnámhlach is said like “KNAWV-lukh” (IPA /ˈkn̪ˠɑːw̃l̪ˠəx/).
What is the plural of skeleton in Irish?
The plural of cnámhlach is cnámhlacha; with the article, na cnámhlacha means “the skeletons”. The genitive plural is cnámhlach, as in bailiúchán na gcnámhlach (the collection of skeletons).
Does cnámhlach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cnámhlach can mean skeleton, framework or emaciated person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cnámhlach change to chnámhlach or gcnámhlach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cnámhlach becomes mo chnámhlach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcnámhlach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cnámhlach and cnámh?
Cnámh is a single bone, while cnámhlach is the whole skeleton made up of bones. Cnámharlach is also used for skeleton or a bony carcass.
