HeyRuaHow to say “whirlwind” in Irish
- Irish:
- cuaifeach
- English:
- whirlwind, swipe
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOO-ee-fukh” /ˈkuəfʲəx/
- Plural:
- cuaifigh (whirlwinds)
- Genitive singular:
- cuaifigh, an chuaifigh (e.g. neart an chuaifigh, the force of the whirlwind)
- Genitive plural:
- cuaifeach, na gcuaifeach (e.g. neart na gcuaifeach, the force of the whirlwinds)
What does “cuaifeach” mean?
“Cuaifeach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- whirlwind
- A sudden swirling gust of wind that spins round, or a strong blast of wind.Also: blast of wind, eddying wind, gust, squall.
1 other meaning: swipe
- 2swipe
- A strong sweeping blow, such as a wild swing of the arm or a stick.Also: sweeping blow, swing, roundhouse.
“Cuaifeach” with the article
The plural of whirlwind in Irish is cuaifigh. Here is cuaifeach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cuaifeach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cuaifeach, the Irish word for whirlwind.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Whirlwind in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for whirlwind?
The Irish for whirlwind is cuaifeach (pronounced “KOO-ee-fukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cuaifigh. Depending on context it can also mean swipe.
How do you pronounce cuaifeach in Irish?
Cuaifeach is said like “KOO-ee-fukh” (IPA /ˈkuəfʲəx/).
What is the plural of whirlwind in Irish?
The plural of cuaifeach is cuaifigh; with the article, na cuaifigh means “the whirlwinds”. The genitive plural is cuaifeach, as in neart na gcuaifeach (the force of the whirlwinds).
Does cuaifeach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cuaifeach can mean whirlwind or swipe, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cuaifeach change to chuaifeach or gcuaifeach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cuaifeach becomes mo chuaifeach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcuaifeach (eclipsis).
How is 'cuaifeach' different from 'gaoth'?
'Gaoth' is wind in general, while 'cuaifeach' is a sudden swirling gust or whirlwind, as in 'cuaifeach gaoithe'.
