HeyRuaHow to say “temptation” in Irish
- Irish:
- cathú
- English:
- temptation, regret
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cathaigh, to tempt (ag cathú, tempting)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “KA-hoo” /ˈkahuː/
- Plural:
- cathuithe (temptations)
- Genitive singular:
- cathaithe, an chathaithe (e.g. neart an chathaithe, the strength of the temptation)
- Genitive plural:
- cathuithe, na gcathuithe (e.g. ag seasamh in aghaidh cathuithe, resisting temptations)
What does “cathú” mean?
“Cathú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- temptation
- A strong urge or enticement to do something, especially something wrong; also the verbal noun of cathaigh, to tempt.Also: tempting, enticement, urge.
1 other meaning: regret
- 2regret
- A feeling of sorrow or regret about something, as in 'is cathú liom é'.Also: sorrow, grief.
“Cathú” as a verbal noun
After ag, cathú means tempting: it is the verbal noun of the verb cathaigh (to tempt). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cathú” with the article
The plural of temptation in Irish is cathuithe. Here is cathú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cathú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cathú, the Irish word for temptation.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Temptation in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for temptation?
The Irish for temptation is cathú (pronounced “KA-hoo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cathuithe. Depending on context it can also mean regret.
How do you pronounce cathú in Irish?
Cathú is said like “KA-hoo” (IPA /ˈkahuː/).
What is the plural of temptation in Irish?
The plural of cathú is cathuithe; with the article, na cathuithe means “the temptations”. The genitive plural is cathuithe, as in ag seasamh in aghaidh cathuithe (resisting temptations).
Does cathú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cathú can mean temptation or regret, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cathú change to chathú or gcathú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cathú becomes mo chathú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcathú (eclipsis).
How do I say 'I was tempted' in Irish?
Use 'bhí cathú orm', literally 'temptation was on me', for example 'Bhí cathú orm dul abhaile'.
Can cathú mean regret?
Yes, especially in 'is cathú liom', meaning 'I regret', though aiféala is the more common word for regret.
