HeyRuaHow to say “small bell” in Irish
- Irish:
- cloigín
- English:
- small bell, blister, cluster, pendant
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KLIG-een” /ˈklˠɛɡʲiːnʲ/
- Plural:
- cloigíní (small bells)
- Genitive singular:
- cloigín, an chloigín (e.g. fuaim an chloigín, the sound of the bell)
- Genitive plural:
- cloigíní, na gcloigíní (e.g. ceol na gcloigíní, the music of the little bells)
What does “cloigín” mean?
“Cloigín” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- small bell
- A little bell, such as a handbell, doorbell or bicycle bell.Also: little bell, handbell, doorbell, bell.
3 other meanings: blister or cluster or pendant
- 2blister
- A small blister or bubble on the skin or on a surface.Also: bubble, vesicle.
- 3cluster
- A small cluster or bunch of things, such as houses or flowers.Also: bunch, small group.
- 4pendant
- A dangling ornament, such as the hanging part of an earring.Also: drop, dangle.
“Cloigín” with the article
The plural of small bell in Irish is cloigíní. Here is cloigín after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cloigín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cloigín, the Irish word for small bell.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Small bell in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for small bell?
The Irish for small bell is cloigín (pronounced “KLIG-een”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cloigíní. Depending on context it can also mean blister or cluster or pendant.
How do you pronounce cloigín in Irish?
Cloigín is said like “KLIG-een” (IPA /ˈklˠɛɡʲiːnʲ/).
What is the plural of small bell in Irish?
The plural of cloigín is cloigíní; with the article, na cloigíní means “the small bells”. The genitive plural is cloigíní, as in ceol na gcloigíní (the music of the little bells).
Does cloigín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cloigín can mean small bell, blister, cluster or pendant, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cloigín change to chloigín or gcloigín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cloigín becomes mo chloigín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcloigín (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'clog' and 'cloigín'?
'Clog' is a bell or clock in general, such as a church bell, while 'cloigín' is its diminutive, a small bell such as a handbell or doorbell.
How do I say 'ring the bell' in Irish?
Use the verb 'buail': 'buail an cloigín' means ring the bell.
