HeyRuaHow to say “straw” in Irish
- Irish:
- cochán
- English:
- straw
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kuh-KHAWN” /kəˈxɑːn̪ˠ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- cocháin, an chocháin (e.g. ceangal an chocháin, the bundle of straw)
What does “cochán” mean?
- straw
- Dried stalks of cereal crops such as wheat, oats or barley, considered collectively.Also: straw stalks, dried stalks, stubble straw.
“Cochán” with the article
Here is cochán after the article (an t-alt).
an cochán
the straw
No change after an
“Cochán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cochán, the Irish word for straw.
Chuir an feirmeoir cochán faoi na ba.
The farmer put straw under the cows.
Tá an cochán tirim go leor anois.
The straw is dry enough now.
Rinne siad díon an tí as cochán.
They made the roof of the house from straw.
Bhí boladh an chocháin sa scioból.
There was a smell of straw in the barn.
Chodail an madra sa chochán.
The dog slept in the straw.
Cheangail sé beart cocháin go docht.
He tied a bundle of straw tightly.
Tá mo bhríste clúdaithe le cochán.
My trousers are covered in straw.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Straw in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for straw?
The Irish for straw is cochán (pronounced “kuh-KHAWN”). It’s a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce cochán in Irish?
Cochán is said like “kuh-KHAWN” (IPA /kəˈxɑːn̪ˠ/).
Does cochán have a plural?
No plural form is given for cochán in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does cochán change to chochán or gcochán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cochán becomes mo chochán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcochán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cochán' and 'tuí'?
Both mean straw, but 'tuí' is especially used for thatch and thatching straw (díon tuí), while 'cochán' is the general word for loose straw, as used for bedding.
