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Trade union in Irish (Ceardchumann): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

The Irish for trade union is ceardchumann, a masculine noun (plural ceardchumainn).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “trade union” in Irish

Irish:
ceardchumann
English:
trade union
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“KYAWRD-khum-un”  /ˈcaːɾˠd̪ˠˌxʊmˠən̪ˠ/
Various forms
Plural:
ceardchumainn (trade unions)
Genitive singular:
ceardchumainn, an cheardchumainn (e.g. cruinniú an cheardchumainn, the trade union meeting)
Genitive plural:
ceardchumann, na gceardchumann (e.g. comhdháil na gceardchumann, congress of trade unions)

What does “ceardchumann” mean?

trade union
An organisation of workers formed to protect their pay, conditions and rights.Also: union, labour union, workers' union.

“Ceardchumann” with the article

The plural of trade union in Irish is ceardchumainn. Here is ceardchumann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an ceardchumann
the trade union
No change after an
na ceardchumainn
the trade unions
Plural: no change after na

“Ceardchumann” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ceardchumann, the Irish word for trade union.

Tá sí ina ball de cheardchumann.
She is a member of a trade union.
Chuaigh an ceardchumann ar stailc inné.
The union went on strike yesterday.
Labhair urlabhraí an cheardchumainn leis na meáin.
The union spokesperson spoke to the media.
Tá na ceardchumainn míshásta leis an mbuiséad.
The trade unions are unhappy with the budget.
Chuaigh mé isteach i mo cheardchumann anuraidh.
I joined my union last year.
Tá níos mó ban sa cheardchumann anois.
There are more women in the union now.
Bhí cruinniú idir an bhainistíocht agus an ceardchumann.
There was a meeting between management and the union.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Trade union in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for trade union?

The Irish for trade union is ceardchumann (pronounced “KYAWRD-khum-un”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ceardchumainn.

How do you pronounce ceardchumann in Irish?

Ceardchumann is said like “KYAWRD-khum-un” (IPA /ˈcaːɾˠd̪ˠˌxʊmˠən̪ˠ/).

What is the plural of trade union in Irish?

The plural of ceardchumann is ceardchumainn; with the article, na ceardchumainn means “the trade unions”. The genitive plural is ceardchumann, as in comhdháil na gceardchumann (congress of trade unions).

Why does ceardchumann change to cheardchumann or gceardchumann?

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

How is ceardchumann formed?

It combines 'ceard' (craft, trade) and 'cumann' (society, association), so it literally means a trade association.

How do you say a trade unionist?

A trade unionist is 'ceardchumannaí', and trade unionism is 'ceardchumannachas'.

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