Watching in Irish (Coimhéad): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for watching?

The Irish for watching is coimhéad (pronounced “kuh-VAYD”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean care.

Q: Does coimhéad have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coimhéad can mean watching or care, depending on context; the first is the most common. Coimhéad also has its own entry as a verb meaning to watch.

How to say “watching” in Irish

Irish:: coimhéad
English:: watching, care
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: coimhéad, to watch (ag coimhéad, watching)
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “kuh-VAYD” /kəˈvʲeːd̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: coimhéadta, an choimhéadta (e.g. lucht coimhéadta, watchers, guards)

What does “coimhéad” mean?

“Coimhéad” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

watching: The act of keeping watch or guard over something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'coimhéad'.Also: watch, guard, keeping watch, vigilance.

1 other meaning: care

2care: Being careful or on your guard against danger.Also: caution, lookout, beware.

Other Irish words for watching: breathnú (looking), faire (watching)

Other entries for “coimhéad”

The same spelling has its own page as:

coimhéadto watch · verb

“Coimhéad” as a verbal noun

After ag, coimhéad means watching: it is the verbal noun of the verb coimhéad (to watch). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

coimhéadverbal noun

ag coimhéadwatching

“Coimhéad” with the article

Here is coimhéad after the article (an t-alt).

an coimhéad

the watching

No change after an

“Coimhéad” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coimhéad, the Irish word for watching.

Coimhéad! Tá carr ag teacht.

Look out! A car is coming.

Coinnigh coimhéad ar an gcarr ar feadh nóiméid.

Keep an eye on the car for a minute.

Bhí sí ag coinneáil coimhéad ar na páistí sa pháirc.

She was keeping watch on the children in the park.

Bí ar do choimhéad ar na gadaithe.

Be on your guard against the thieves.

Choinnigh an saighdiúir coimhéad ar an ngeata.

The soldier kept watch on the gate.

Is gá coimhéad géar a dhéanamh air.

He needs to be watched closely.

Bhí lucht coimhéadta ag an doras.

There were guards at the door.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

clogclock iarratasapplication coinneappointment feadhextent dúnfort aontasunion

Watching in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for watching?

The Irish for watching is coimhéad (pronounced “kuh-VAYD”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean care.

How do you pronounce coimhéad in Irish?

Coimhéad is said like “kuh-VAYD” (IPA /kəˈvʲeːd̪ˠ/).

Does coimhéad have a plural?

No plural form is given for coimhéad in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does coimhéad have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coimhéad can mean watching or care, depending on context; the first is the most common. Coimhéad also has its own entry as a verb meaning to watch.

Why does coimhéad change to choimhéad or gcoimhéad?

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

What is the difference between 'coimhéad' and 'féach'?

'Féach' means to look at something, while 'coimhéad' means to watch over or guard, or to beware, as in 'Coimhéad!' (Look out!).

How do I say 'be on your guard'?

Say 'Bí ar do choimhéad', with 'coimhéad' lenited after 'do'.

Watching in Irish (Coimhéad): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage