HeyRuaHow to say “strait” in Irish
- Irish:
- caoluisce
- English:
- strait, shallow water
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KWEEL-ish-kyuh” /ˈkiːlˌɪʃcə/
- Plural:
- caoluiscí (straits)
- Genitive singular:
- caoluisce, an chaoluisce (e.g. ag béal an chaoluisce, at the mouth of the strait)
- Genitive plural:
- caoluiscí, na gcaoluiscí (e.g. léarscáil na gcaoluiscí, the map of the straits)
What does “caoluisce” mean?
“Caoluisce” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- strait
- A narrow stretch of sea or water connecting two larger bodies of water.Also: sound, narrows, channel.
1 other meaning: shallow water
- 2shallow water
- Thin, shallow water, for example at the edge of a lake or the shore.Also: shallows.
“Caoluisce” with the article
The plural of strait in Irish is caoluiscí. Here is caoluisce after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caoluisce” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caoluisce, the Irish word for strait.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Strait in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for strait?
The Irish for strait is caoluisce (pronounced “KWEEL-ish-kyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is caoluiscí. Depending on context it can also mean shallow water.
How do you pronounce caoluisce in Irish?
Caoluisce is said like “KWEEL-ish-kyuh” (IPA /ˈkiːlˌɪʃcə/).
What is the plural of strait in Irish?
The plural of caoluisce is caoluiscí; with the article, na caoluiscí means “the straits”. The genitive plural is caoluiscí, as in léarscáil na gcaoluiscí (the map of the straits).
Does caoluisce have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caoluisce can mean strait or shallow water, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caoluisce change to chaoluisce or gcaoluisce?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caoluisce becomes mo chaoluisce (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaoluisce (eclipsis).
How is 'caoluisce' formed?
It combines 'caol' (narrow) and 'uisce' (water), so literally 'narrow water'. 'Caolas' is a similar word also used for a strait or sound.
