Talk in Irish (Caint): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for talk?

The Irish for talk is caint (pronounced “kantch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cainteanna. Depending on context it can also mean speech or gossip.

Q: What is the plural of talk in Irish?

The plural of caint is cainteanna; with the article, na cainteanna means “the talks”. The genitive plural is cainteanna, as in téacs na gcainteanna (the text of the speeches).

Q: Does caint have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caint can mean talk, speech or gossip, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “talk” in Irish

Irish:: caint
English:: talk, speech, gossip
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “kantch” /kanʲtʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cainteanna (talks)
Genitive singular:: cainte, na cainte (e.g. an iomarca cainte, too much talk)
Genitive plural:: cainteanna, na gcainteanna (e.g. téacs na gcainteanna, the text of the speeches)

What does “caint” mean?

“Caint” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

talk: The act of speaking or talking; it is used as the verbal noun meaning 'talking' (ag caint).Also: talking, speaking, conversation, chat.

2 other meanings: speech or gossip

2speech: The way a person speaks, or the ability to speak; also a speech given to an audience.Also: way of speaking, address, diction.
3gossip: Talk about other people, rumour or idle chatter.Also: rumour, idle talk, chatter.

Other Irish words for talk: labhair (speak), léacht (lecture)

“Caint” with the article

The plural of talk in Irish is cainteanna. Here is caint after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an chaint

the talk

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cainteanna

the talks

Plural: no change after na

“Caint” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using caint, the Irish word for talk.

Bhí siad ag caint fúmsa aréir.

They were talking about me last night.

Ní raibh ann ach caint.

It was nothing but talk.

Thaitin an chaint sin go mór liom.

I really enjoyed that talk.

Tá an iomarca cainte sa seomra seo.

There's too much talking in this room.

Thug sí caint an-suimiúil ar stair na háite.

She gave a very interesting talk on local history.

Tá na cainteanna idir an dá thaobh ag leanúint ar aghaidh.

The talks between the two sides are continuing.

Beidh mé ag caint leat arís amárach.

I'll talk to you again tomorrow.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Talk in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for talk?

The Irish for talk is caint (pronounced “kantch”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cainteanna. Depending on context it can also mean speech or gossip.

How do you pronounce caint in Irish?

Caint is said like “kantch” (IPA /kanʲtʲ/).

What is the plural of talk in Irish?

The plural of caint is cainteanna; with the article, na cainteanna means “the talks”. The genitive plural is cainteanna, as in téacs na gcainteanna (the text of the speeches).

Does caint have more than one meaning?

Yes. Caint can mean talk, speech or gossip, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does caint change to chaint or gcaint?

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

What is the difference between caint and comhrá?

Caint is talk or speaking in general (ag caint, 'talking'), while comhrá is a conversation between people (ag comhrá le chéile).

Is there a verb 'to talk' from caint?

Caint has no finite verb forms of its own; you say 'ag caint' for 'talking' and use labhair for 'speak', as in Labhair sé liom.

Talk in Irish (Caint): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage