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Strangeness in Irish (Coimhthíos): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘coimhthíos’ also means: aloofness

The Irish for strangeness is coimhthíos, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “strangeness” in Irish

Irish:
coimhthíos
English:
strangeness, aloofness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KWEE-hees”  /ˈkiːhiːsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
coimhthís, an choimhthís (e.g. mothú coimhthís, a feeling of strangeness)

What does “coimhthíos” mean?

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

strangeness
The feeling or state of being strange, unfamiliar or foreign to someone.Also: unfamiliarity, foreignness.
1 other meaning: aloofness
2aloofness
A cold, distant or unfriendly attitude towards others, keeping oneself apart.Also: estrangement, shyness, alienation, coldness.

“Coimhthíos” with the article

Here is coimhthíos after the article (an t-alt).

an coimhthíos
the strangeness
No change after an

“Coimhthíos” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coimhthíos, the Irish word for strangeness.

Bhí coimhthíos orm sa chathair ar dtús.
I felt like a stranger in the city at first.
Níl aon choimhthíos eadrainn anois.
There is no distance between us now.
D'imigh an coimhthíos de na páistí go tapa.
The children's shyness wore off quickly.
Bhraith sí mothú coimhthís sa teach nua.
She sensed a feeling of strangeness in the new house.
Ná déan coimhthíos linn, a chara.
Don't be a stranger with us, my friend.
Tháinig coimhthíos idir an bheirt deartháireacha.
An estrangement came between the two brothers.
Bhí coimhthíos ina ghlór nuair a labhair sé.
There was coldness in his voice when he spoke.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Strangeness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for strangeness?

The Irish for strangeness is coimhthíos (pronounced “KWEE-hees”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean aloofness.

How do you pronounce coimhthíos in Irish?

Coimhthíos is said like “KWEE-hees” (IPA /ˈkiːhiːsˠ/).

Does coimhthíos have a plural?

No plural form is given for coimhthíos in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does coimhthíos have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coimhthíos can mean strangeness or aloofness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coimhthíos change to choimhthíos or gcoimhthíos?

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

How do I say I feel like a stranger somewhere?

Use 'tá coimhthíos orm', literally 'there is strangeness on me', e.g. 'Bhí coimhthíos orm ann'.

Is coimhthíos related to coimhthíoch?

Yes, 'coimhthíoch' means a stranger or foreigner, and 'coimhthíos' is the state of being strange or distant.

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