HeyRuaHow to say “tongs” in Irish
- Irish:
- teanchair
- English:
- tongs, pincers, tenace
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TYAN-uh-khir” /ˈtʲanˠəxəɾʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- teanchaire, na teanchaire (e.g. cos na teanchaire, the leg of the tongs)
What does “teanchair” mean?
“Teanchair” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tongs
- A tool with two arms joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things such as coal.Also: fire tongs, pair of tongs.
2 other meanings: pincers or tenace
- 2pincers
- A gripping tool such as pincers, pliers or forceps, used for holding or pulling small things.Also: pliers, forceps, nippers.
- 3tenace
- In card games, a combination of two high cards, such as the ace and queen of a suit, held by one player.
Other Irish words for tongs: tlú (tongs)
“Teanchair” with the article
Here is teanchair after the article (an t-alt).
“Teanchair” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using teanchair, the Irish word for tongs.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Tongs in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tongs?
The Irish for tongs is teanchair (pronounced “TYAN-uh-khir”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pincers or tenace.
How do you pronounce teanchair in Irish?
Teanchair is said like “TYAN-uh-khir” (IPA /ˈtʲanˠəxəɾʲ/).
Does teanchair have a plural?
No plural form is given for teanchair in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does teanchair have more than one meaning?
Yes. Teanchair can mean tongs, pincers or tenace, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does teanchair change to theanchair or dteanchair?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) teanchair becomes mo theanchair (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dteanchair (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'teanchair' and 'tlú'?
Both can mean fire tongs, but 'tlú' is the usual everyday word for fire tongs, while 'teanchair' also covers pincers, pliers and forceps.
