HeyRuaHow to say “tree” in Irish
- Irish:
- crann
- English:
- tree, mast, lot, shaft, handle
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “krown” /kɾˠaun̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- crainn (trees)
- Genitive singular:
- crainn, an chrainn (e.g. duilleoga an chrainn, the leaves of the tree)
- Genitive plural:
- crann, na gcrann (e.g. faoi scáth na gcrann, under the shade of the trees)
What does “crann” mean?
“Crann” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- tree
- A tall woody plant with a trunk and branches.Also: trunk.
3 other meanings: mast or lot or shaft, handle
- 2mast
- A tall pole on a ship that holds the sails, or a similar pole such as a flagpole.Also: pole, flagpole.
- 3lot
- An object used for drawing lots to decide something by chance.Also: drawing lots, sortition.
- 4shaft, handle
- A wooden shaft, beam or handle of a tool or implement.Also: shaft, handle, beam.
“Crann” with the article
The plural of tree in Irish is crainn. Here is crann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Crann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using crann, the Irish word for tree.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Tree in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for tree?
The Irish for tree is crann (pronounced “krown”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is crainn. Depending on context it can also mean mast or lot or shaft, handle.
How do you pronounce crann in Irish?
Crann is said like “krown” (IPA /kɾˠaun̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of tree in Irish?
The plural of crann is crainn; with the article, na crainn means “the trees”. The genitive plural is crann, as in faoi scáth na gcrann (under the shade of the trees).
Does crann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Crann can mean tree, mast, lot or shaft, handle, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does crann change to chrann or gcrann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) crann becomes mo chrann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcrann (eclipsis).
How do you say 'Christmas tree' in Irish?
It is 'crann Nollag'. The plural is 'crainn Nollag'.
What does 'crann' mean in 'crannchur'?
Here 'crann' has the sense of a lot used for deciding by chance, so 'crannchur' means a drawing of lots or a lottery.
