HeyRuaHow to say “whisper” in Irish
- Irish:
- cogar
- English:
- whisper, confidential word
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cogair, to whisper (ag cogar, whispering)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KUG-ur” /ˈkɔɡəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- cogair (whispers)
- Genitive singular:
- cogair, an chogair (e.g. fuaim an chogair, the sound of the whisper)
- Genitive plural:
- cogar, na gcogar (e.g. fuaim na gcogar, the sound of the whispers)
What does “cogar” mean?
“Cogar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- whisper
- A very quiet way of speaking, or something said very quietly.Also: whispering, murmur, quiet talk.
“Cogar” as a verbal noun
After ag, cogar means whispering: it is the verbal noun of the verb cogair (to whisper). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cogar” with the article
The plural of whisper in Irish is cogair. Here is cogar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Cogar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cogar, the Irish word for whisper.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Whisper in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for whisper?
The Irish for whisper is cogar (pronounced “KUG-ur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cogair. Depending on context it can also mean confidential word.
How do you pronounce cogar in Irish?
Cogar is said like “KUG-ur” (IPA /ˈkɔɡəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of whisper in Irish?
The plural of cogar is cogair; with the article, na cogair means “the whispers”. The genitive plural is cogar, as in fuaim na gcogar (the sound of the whispers).
Does cogar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cogar can mean whisper or confidential word, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cogar change to chogar or gcogar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cogar becomes mo chogar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcogar (eclipsis).
What does 'Cogar' mean at the start of a sentence?
Used alone, 'Cogar' means 'listen' or 'tell me', as in 'Cogar, an bhfuil tú saor anocht?' (Listen, are you free tonight?).
How do I say 'to whisper' in Irish?
Use the phrase 'labhair i gcogar' or 'cogar a chur i gcluas duine'; the related noun 'cogarnach' means continuous whispering.
