HeyRuaHow to say “way” in Irish
- Irish:
- caoi
- English:
- way, opportunity, condition, path
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kee” /kiː/
- Plural:
- caíonna (ways)
- Genitive singular:
- caoi, na caoi (e.g. ar son na caoi, for the sake of the way)
- Genitive plural:
- caíonna, na gcaíonna (e.g. liosta na gcaíonna, the list of the ways)
What does “caoi” mean?
“Caoi” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- way
- The way or manner in which something is done or happens.Also: manner, how, method.
3 other meanings: opportunity or condition or path
- 2opportunity
- A chance or means to do something.Also: chance, means.
- 3condition
- The proper state or order of something, as in putting something right.Also: order, shape, state.
- 4path
- A way or path along which one travels.Also: way, route.
Other Irish words for way: bealach (way), slí (way), treo (direction), modh (method)
“Caoi” with the article
The plural of way in Irish is caíonna. Here is caoi after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Caoi” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caoi, the Irish word for way.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Phrases with “caoi”
Way in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for way?
The Irish for way is caoi (pronounced “kee”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is caíonna. Depending on context it can also mean opportunity or condition or path.
How do you pronounce caoi in Irish?
Caoi is said like “kee” (IPA /kiː/).
What is the plural of way in Irish?
The plural of caoi is caíonna; with the article, na caíonna means “the ways”. The genitive plural is caíonna, as in liosta na gcaíonna (the list of the ways).
Does caoi have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caoi can mean way, opportunity, condition or path, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caoi change to chaoi or gcaoi?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caoi becomes mo chaoi (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaoi (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'cén chaoi' and 'conas'?
Both mean 'how': 'Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?' is typical of Connacht, while 'Conas atá tú?' is Munster and 'Cad é mar atá tú?' is Ulster.
How do I say 'fix' or 'tidy' using caoi?
Use 'cuir caoi ar', for example 'Chuir mé caoi ar an rothar' means 'I fixed the bike'.
