HeyRuaHow to say “war” in Irish
- Irish:
- cogadh
- English:
- war, quarrel
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUG-oo” /ˈkɔɡə/
- Plural:
- cogaí (wars)
- Genitive singular:
- cogaidh, an chogaidh (e.g. deireadh an chogaidh, the end of the war)
- Genitive plural:
- cogaí, na gcogaí (e.g. stair na gcogaí, the history of the wars)
What does “cogadh” mean?
“Cogadh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- war
- Armed fighting between countries or groups over a period of time.Also: warfare, conflict, fighting.
1 other meaning: quarrel
- 2quarrel
- A fierce argument or strife between people, used figuratively.Also: strife, row, fight.
“Cogadh” with the article
The plural of war in Irish is cogaí. Here is cogadh after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cogadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cogadh, the Irish word for war.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
War in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for war?
The Irish for war is cogadh (pronounced “KUG-oo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cogaí. Depending on context it can also mean quarrel.
How do you pronounce cogadh in Irish?
Cogadh is said like “KUG-oo” (IPA /ˈkɔɡə/).
What is the plural of war in Irish?
The plural of cogadh is cogaí; with the article, na cogaí means “the wars”. The genitive plural is cogaí, as in stair na gcogaí (the history of the wars).
Does cogadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cogadh can mean war or quarrel, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cogadh change to chogadh or gcogadh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cogadh becomes mo chogadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcogadh (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cogadh' and 'cath'?
'Cogadh' is a whole war, while 'cath' is a single battle within it, as in 'Cath Chionn tSáile' (the Battle of Kinsale).
How do I say 'at war'?
Use 'i gcogadh', for example 'Bhí an dá thír i gcogadh' (The two countries were at war).
