HeyRuaHow to say “skin” in Irish
- Irish:
- craiceann
- English:
- skin, peel, surface
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KRAK-un” /ˈkɾˠacənˠ/
- Plural:
- craicne (skins)
- Genitive singular:
- craicinn, an chraicinn (e.g. dath an chraicinn, the skin colour)
- Genitive plural:
- craicne, na gcraicne (e.g. díol na gcraicne, the selling of the hides)
What does “craiceann” mean?
“Craiceann” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- skin
- The outer covering of the body of a person or animal.Also: hide, pelt.
2 other meanings: peel or surface
- 2peel
- The outer layer of a fruit or vegetable, or the rind of cheese and similar foods.Also: rind, skin, crust.
- 3surface
- The outer surface or finish of something, such as a polish on a surface.Also: finish, polish.
Other Irish words for skin: scamh (peel)
“Craiceann” with the article
The plural of skin in Irish is craicne. Here is craiceann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Craiceann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using craiceann, the Irish word for skin.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Skin in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for skin?
The Irish for skin is craiceann (pronounced “KRAK-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is craicne. Depending on context it can also mean peel or surface.
How do you pronounce craiceann in Irish?
Craiceann is said like “KRAK-un” (IPA /ˈkɾˠacənˠ/).
What is the plural of skin in Irish?
The plural of craiceann is craicne; with the article, na craicne means “the skins”. The genitive plural is craicne, as in díol na gcraicne (the selling of the hides).
Does craiceann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Craiceann can mean skin, peel or surface, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does craiceann change to chraiceann or gcraiceann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) craiceann becomes mo chraiceann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcraiceann (eclipsis).
What is the difference between craiceann and seithe?
Craiceann is the general word for skin or peel, while seithe usually means an animal hide, especially a thick or tanned one.
What does 'eagla mo chraicinn' mean?
Literally 'fear of my skin', 'eagla mo chraicinn' means being terrified, fearing for one's life.
