HeyRuaHow to say “want” in Irish
- Irish:
- ceal
- English:
- want, annulment
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kyal” /cal̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- ceal, an cheal (e.g. de cheal airgid, for lack of money)
What does “ceal” mean?
“Ceal” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- want
- A lack or absence of something, used mostly in phrases like 'de cheal' (for want of) and 'ceal airgid' (lack of money).Also: lack, absence, shortage.
“Ceal” with the article
Here is ceal after the article (an t-alt).
“Ceal” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using ceal, the Irish word for want.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Want in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for want?
The Irish for want is ceal (pronounced “kyal”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean annulment.
How do you pronounce ceal in Irish?
Ceal is said like “kyal” (IPA /cal̪ˠ/).
Does ceal have a plural?
No plural form is given for ceal in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does ceal have more than one meaning?
Yes. Ceal can mean want or annulment, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does ceal change to cheal or gceal?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) ceal becomes mo cheal (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gceal (eclipsis).
How do I say 'cancelled' in Irish?
Use 'ar ceal' with the verb 'cuir': 'Cuireadh an cruinniú ar ceal' means 'The meeting was cancelled'.
What is the difference between 'ceal' and 'easpa'?
Both mean lack, but 'easpa' is the everyday word ('easpa airgid'), while 'ceal' appears mostly in set phrases like 'de cheal' and 'ar ceal'.
