HeyRuaHow to say “step” in Irish
- Irish:
- céim
- English:
- step, degree, stage
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kaym” /ceːmʲ/
- Plural:
- céimeanna (steps)
- Genitive singular:
- céime, na céime (e.g. bronnadh na céime, the conferring of the degree)
- Genitive plural:
- céimeanna, na gcéimeanna (e.g. fuaim na gcéimeanna, the sound of the steps)
What does “céim” mean?
“Céim” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- step
- A single movement of the foot in walking, or a step of a stair.Also: footstep, pace, stair.
3 other meanings: degree or stage
- 2degree
- An academic qualification awarded by a university or college.Also: university degree, qualification.
- 3degree
- A unit for measuring temperature or angles.Also: temperature degree, angle.
- 4stage
- A stage, grade or rank in a process or scale, including degrees of comparison of adjectives.Also: grade, rank, phase, level.
Other Irish words for step: coiscéim (footstep), steip (step)
“Céim” with the article
The plural of step in Irish is céimeanna. Here is céim after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Céim” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using céim, the Irish word for step.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Step in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for step?
The Irish for step is céim (pronounced “kaym”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is céimeanna. Depending on context it can also mean degree or stage.
How do you pronounce céim in Irish?
Céim is said like “kaym” (IPA /ceːmʲ/).
What is the plural of step in Irish?
The plural of céim is céimeanna; with the article, na céimeanna means “the steps”. The genitive plural is céimeanna, as in fuaim na gcéimeanna (the sound of the steps).
Does céim have more than one meaning?
Yes. Céim can mean step, degree or stage, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does céim change to chéim or gcéim?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) céim becomes mo chéim (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcéim (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'céim' and 'coiscéim'?
'Céim' is the general word for a step, degree or stage, while 'coiscéim' specifically means a footstep. You can say 'céim ar chéim' for step by step.
How do I say 'promotion' using 'céim'?
Promotion is 'ardú céime', literally a raising of rank: 'Fuair sé ardú céime.' means 'He got a promotion.'
