HeyRuaHow to say “stone” in Irish
- Irish:
- cloch
- English:
- stone, stone (of fruit), stone (weight)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klokh” /kl̪ˠɔx/
- Genitive singular:
- cloiche, na cloiche (e.g. balla cloiche, stone wall)
What does “cloch” mean?
“Cloch” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- stone
- A piece of rock, or rock as a material.Also: rock, pebble.
2 other meanings: stone (of fruit) or stone (weight)
- 2stone (of fruit)
- The hard seed in the centre of fruits such as cherries or plums.Also: stone, fruit stone, pit, kernel.
- 3stone (weight)
- A unit of weight equal to fourteen pounds.Also: stone, stone weight, fourteen pounds.
“Cloch” with the article
Here is cloch after the article (an t-alt).
“Cloch” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cloch, the Irish word for stone.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Stone in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for stone?
The Irish for stone is cloch (pronounced “klokh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean stone (of fruit) or stone (weight).
How do you pronounce cloch in Irish?
Cloch is said like “klokh” (IPA /kl̪ˠɔx/).
Does cloch have a plural?
No plural form is given for cloch in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cloch have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cloch can mean stone, stone (of fruit) or stone (weight), depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cloch change to chloch or gcloch?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cloch becomes mo chloch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcloch (eclipsis).
What is the difference between cloch and carraig?
Cloch is a stone or stone as material, while carraig is a large rock or crag, often on the shore.
How do I say a stone wall?
Use the genitive as an adjective: balla cloiche, a stone wall.
