Speaker in Irish (Cainteoir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for speaker?

The Irish for speaker is cainteoir (pronounced “KAN-chor”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cainteoirí. Depending on context it can also mean talker.

Q: What is the plural of speaker in Irish?

The plural of cainteoir is cainteoirí; with the article, na cainteoirí means “the speakers”. The genitive plural is cainteoirí, as in líon na gcainteoirí (the number of speakers).

Q: Does cainteoir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cainteoir can mean speaker or talker, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “speaker” in Irish

Irish:: cainteoir
English:: speaker, talker
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “KAN-chor” /ˈkanʲtʲoːɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cainteoirí (speakers)
Genitive singular:: cainteora, an chainteora (e.g. óráid an chainteora, the speaker's address)
Genitive plural:: cainteoirí, na gcainteoirí (e.g. líon na gcainteoirí, the number of speakers)

What does “cainteoir” mean?

“Cainteoir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

speaker: A person who speaks, especially someone who speaks a particular language or gives a talk.Also: talker, native speaker, orator.

1 other meaning: talker

2talker: A person who talks a lot or is good at conversation.Also: chatterbox, conversationalist.

Other Irish words for speaker: callaire (loudspeaker)

“Cainteoir” with the article

The plural of speaker in Irish is cainteoirí. Here is cainteoir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cainteoir

the speaker

No change after an

na cainteoirí

the speakers

Plural: no change after na

“Cainteoir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cainteoir, the Irish word for speaker.

Is cainteoir dúchais Gaeilge é.

He is a native Irish speaker.

Is maith an cainteoir poiblí é.

He is a good public speaker.

Tá an cainteoir ag teacht ar an ardán anois.

The speaker is coming onto the stage now.

Tá a lán cainteoirí Gaeilge sa cheantar seo.

There are a lot of Irish speakers in this area.

Ní raibh glór an chainteora soiléir.

The speaker's voice wasn't clear.

Is cainteoir líofa í mo mháthair.

My mother is a fluent speaker.

Bhí triúr cainteoirí ag an gcruinniú aréir.

There were three speakers at the meeting last night.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Speaker in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for speaker?

The Irish for speaker is cainteoir (pronounced “KAN-chor”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cainteoirí. Depending on context it can also mean talker.

How do you pronounce cainteoir in Irish?

Cainteoir is said like “KAN-chor” (IPA /ˈkanʲtʲoːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of speaker in Irish?

The plural of cainteoir is cainteoirí; with the article, na cainteoirí means “the speakers”. The genitive plural is cainteoirí, as in líon na gcainteoirí (the number of speakers).

Does cainteoir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cainteoir can mean speaker or talker, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cainteoir change to chainteoir or gcainteoir?

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

Is cainteoir the word for a loudspeaker?

No, a loudspeaker is usually callaire; cainteoir is a person who speaks.

What is the difference between cainteoir and urlabhraí?

Cainteoir is anyone who speaks, while urlabhraí is a spokesperson who speaks on behalf of a group.

Speaker in Irish (Cainteoir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage