HeyRuaHow to say “wholemeal” in Irish
- Irish:
- caiscín
- English:
- wholemeal, wholemeal bread
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KASH-keen” /ˈkaʃciːnʲ/
- Genitive singular:
- caiscín, an chaiscín (e.g. builín caiscín, a loaf of wholemeal bread)
What does “caiscín” mean?
“Caiscín” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wholemeal
- Coarsely ground flour or meal made from the whole grain of wheat.Also: whole meal, wholemeal flour, coarse meal.
1 other meaning: wholemeal bread
- 2wholemeal bread
- Brown bread made from wholemeal flour.Also: brown bread, wholemeal loaf.
“Caiscín” with the article
Here is caiscín after the article (an t-alt).
“Caiscín” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using caiscín, the Irish word for wholemeal.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Wholemeal in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wholemeal?
The Irish for wholemeal is caiscín (pronounced “KASH-keen”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wholemeal bread.
How do you pronounce caiscín in Irish?
Caiscín is said like “KASH-keen” (IPA /ˈkaʃciːnʲ/).
Does caiscín have a plural?
No plural form is given for caiscín in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does caiscín have more than one meaning?
Yes. Caiscín can mean wholemeal or wholemeal bread, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does caiscín change to chaiscín or gcaiscín?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) caiscín becomes mo chaiscín (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcaiscín (eclipsis).
Is 'caiscín' the same as 'arán donn'?
Broadly yes: 'arán donn' is the everyday term for brown bread, while 'caiscín' or 'arán caiscín' refers specifically to bread made from wholemeal.
