HeyRuaHow to say “trick” in Irish
- Irish:
- cleas
- English:
- trick, feat, knack
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “klass” /cl̠ʲasˠ/
- Plural:
- cleasa (tricks)
- Genitive singular:
- clis, an chlis (e.g. rún an chlis, the secret of the trick)
- Genitive plural:
- cleas, na gcleas (e.g. fear na gcleas, the trickster)
What does “cleas” mean?
“Cleas” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- trick
- A clever or deceptive action done to fool someone or for fun.Also: prank, stratagem, ruse.
2 other meanings: feat or knack
- 2feat
- A skilful physical performance or exploit, such as an athletic or juggling feat.Also: stunt, exploit, skill.
- 3knack
- A particular way or method of doing something well.Also: technique, way, method.
Other Irish words for trick: bob (trick)
“Cleas” with the article
The plural of trick in Irish is cleasa. Here is cleas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cleas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cleas, the Irish word for trick.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Trick in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for trick?
The Irish for trick is cleas (pronounced “klass”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cleasa. Depending on context it can also mean feat or knack.
How do you pronounce cleas in Irish?
Cleas is said like “klass” (IPA /cl̠ʲasˠ/).
What is the plural of trick in Irish?
The plural of cleas is cleasa; with the article, na cleasa means “the tricks”. The genitive plural is cleas, as in fear na gcleas (the trickster).
Does cleas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cleas can mean trick, feat or knack, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cleas change to chleas or gcleas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cleas becomes mo chleas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcleas (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to play a trick on someone' in Irish?
Use 'cleas a imirt ar dhuine', for example 'd'imir sé cleas orm', he played a trick on me.
Is 'cleas' related to 'lúthchleasa' (athletics)?
Yes, 'lúthchleas' combines 'lúth' (agility) with 'cleas' (feat), so 'lúthchleasa' are athletic feats, athletics.
