Whispering in Irish (Cogarnach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for whispering?

The Irish for whispering is cogarnach (pronounced “KUG-ur-nukh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “whispering” in Irish

Irish:: cogarnach
English:: whispering
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “KUG-ur-nukh” /ˈkɔɡəɾˠn̪ˠəx/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: cogarnaí, na cogarnaí (e.g. torann na cogarnaí, the noise of the whispering)

What does “cogarnach” mean?

whispering: The act or sound of speaking very softly, in whispers; it functions as a verbal noun linked to the verb 'cogair' (whisper).Also: whisper, murmuring, muttering.

Other Irish words for whispering: cogar (whisper)

“Cogarnach” with the article

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

an chogarnach

the whispering

Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)

“Cogarnach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cogarnach, the Irish word for whispering.

Bhí cogarnach ar siúl ag cúl an ranga.

There was whispering going on at the back of the class.

Stop an chogarnach sin, le do thoil!

Stop that whispering, please!

Chuala mé cogarnach sa seomra eile.

I heard whispering in the other room.

Bhí cogarnach ar siúl eatarthu ar feadh na hoíche.

They were whispering to each other all night.

Ní raibh le cloisteáil ach cogarnach.

All you could hear was whispering.

Chuir an chogarnach isteach ar an múinteoir.

The whispering annoyed the teacher.

Bhí cogarnach i measc na ndaoine faoin scéal.

People were whispering about the story.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cathaoirleachchairperson duineperson bailehome ceannhead cuidpart bliainyear

Whispering in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for whispering?

The Irish for whispering is cogarnach (pronounced “KUG-ur-nukh”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce cogarnach in Irish?

Cogarnach is said like “KUG-ur-nukh” (IPA /ˈkɔɡəɾˠn̪ˠəx/).

Does cogarnach have a plural?

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

Why does cogarnach change to chogarnach or gcogarnach?

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

What is the difference between 'cogar' and 'cogarnach'?

'Cogar' is a single whisper (labhair i gcogar, speak in a whisper), while 'cogarnach' is continuous whispering, as in 'ag cogarnach'.

Whispering in Irish (Cogarnach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage