HeyRuaHow to say “stepping stones” in Irish
- Irish:
- clochán
- English:
- stepping stones, causeway, beehive hut
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KLUKH-awn” /ˈkl̪ˠɔxaːnˠ/
- Plural:
- clocháin (stepping stones)
- Genitive singular:
- clocháin, an chlocháin (e.g. clocha an chlocháin, the stones of the causeway)
- Genitive plural:
- clochán, na gclochán (e.g. fothracha na gclochán, the ruins of the beehive huts)
What does “clochán” mean?
“Clochán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stepping stones
- A row of stones placed across a river or stream so that people can walk over it.Also: stepping-stone, stone crossing.
2 other meanings: causeway or beehive hut
- 2causeway
- A raised path or road of stones, especially across wet ground or water.Also: raised path, paved way.
- 3beehive hut
- An old round hut built of stones without mortar, with a roof shaped like a beehive.Also: clochan, stone hut, dry-stone hut.
“Clochán” with the article
The plural of stepping stones in Irish is clocháin. Here is clochán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Clochán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using clochán, the Irish word for stepping stones.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stepping stones in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stepping stones?
The Irish for stepping stones is clochán (pronounced “KLUKH-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is clocháin. Depending on context it can also mean causeway or beehive hut.
How do you pronounce clochán in Irish?
Clochán is said like “KLUKH-awn” (IPA /ˈkl̪ˠɔxaːnˠ/).
What is the plural of stepping stones in Irish?
The plural of clochán is clocháin; with the article, na clocháin means “the stepping stones”. The genitive plural is clochán, as in fothracha na gclochán (the ruins of the beehive huts).
Does clochán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Clochán can mean stepping stones, causeway or beehive hut, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does clochán change to chlochán or gclochán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) clochán becomes mo chlochán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gclochán (eclipsis).
What is the Irish name for the Giant's Causeway?
It is Clochán an Aifir, often also called Clochán na bhFómhórach in some sources.
Is 'clochán' related to 'cloch'?
Yes, clochán is formed from cloch 'stone' and refers to things built of stones, such as stepping stones or a stone hut.
