Tax in Irish (Cáin): Meaning, Pronunciation & Examples

Q: What is the Irish for tax?

The Irish for tax is cáin (pronounced “kawn”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cánacha. Depending on context it can also mean tribute or law.

Q: What is the plural of tax in Irish?

The plural of cáin is cánacha; with the article, na cánacha means “the taxes”. The genitive plural is cánacha, as in ráta na gcánacha (the tax rates).

Q: Does cáin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cáin can mean tax, tribute or law, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cáin also has its own entry as a verb meaning to criticise.

How to say “tax” in Irish

Irish:: cáin
English:: tax, tribute, law
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fifth declension
Pronunciation:: “kawn” /kɑːnʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: cánacha (taxes)
Genitive singular:: cánach, na cánach (e.g. ráta na cánach, the rate of tax)
Genitive plural:: cánacha, na gcánacha (e.g. ráta na gcánacha, the tax rates)

What does “cáin” mean?

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

tax: Money that people or businesses must pay to the government.Also: taxation, duty, levy.

2 other meanings: tribute or law

2tribute: A payment or due owed to a lord or ruler, especially in older Irish society.Also: due, impost.
3law: In Old Irish usage, a law or body of rules, as in Cáin Adomnáin.Also: rule, regulation.

Other entries for “cáin”

The same spelling has its own page as:

cáinto criticise · verb

“Cáin” with the article

The plural of tax in Irish is cánacha. Here is cáin after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cháin

the tax

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

na cánacha

the taxes

Plural: no change after na

“Cáin” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cáin, the Irish word for tax.

Níor íoc mé an cháin ar an seancharr sin.

I haven't paid the tax on that old car.

An praghas, móide cáin bhreisluacha.

The price, plus value-added tax.

Tá an cháin ró-ard sa tír seo.

The tax is too high in this country.

Fuair sé faoiseamh cánach i mbliana.

He got tax relief this year.

Ardaíodh na cánacha arís sa cháinaisnéis.

Taxes were raised again in the budget.

Íocaim mo cháin ioncaim gach mí.

I pay my income tax every month.

Níl aon cháin ar bhia páistí.

There is no tax on baby food.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cnochill úinéirowner creideamhfaith táirgeproduct tuarascáilreport bainistíochtmanagement

Tax in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tax?

The Irish for tax is cáin (pronounced “kawn”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is cánacha. Depending on context it can also mean tribute or law.

How do you pronounce cáin in Irish?

Cáin is said like “kawn” (IPA /kɑːnʲ/).

What is the plural of tax in Irish?

The plural of cáin is cánacha; with the article, na cánacha means “the taxes”. The genitive plural is cánacha, as in ráta na gcánacha (the tax rates).

Does cáin have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cáin can mean tax, tribute or law, depending on context; the first is the most common. Cáin also has its own entry as a verb meaning to criticise.

Why does cáin change to cháin or gcáin?

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

What is the difference between cáin and dleacht?

Cáin is the general word for tax, while dleacht means a duty, such as dleacht stampála (stamp duty) or excise duty.

Does cáin mean 'criticise'?

The verb cáin means 'criticise, censure', but the noun cáin (gen. cánach) means 'tax'. Context makes it clear.

Tax in Irish (Cáin): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage