ceardaí
/ˈcaːɾˠd̪ˠi/masculine
The English phrase 'artisan' is translated into Irish as ceardaí.
ceardaí refers to a skilled manual worker. It is used as a gender-neutral noun in practice.
Meaning: skilled manual worker (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root ceard, which means 'craft' or 'trade'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple artisans, use the plural form ceardaithe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈcaːɾˠd̪ˠi/
Did you know?
- In the phraseology of old Irish literature, the concept of ceard was often associated with the 'magical' or 'supernatural' ability to shape reality, not just physical wood or stone.
- While ceardaí is gender-neutral, historical legal texts like the Brehon Laws had specific status and pay scales for different types of ceardaí based on their skill level.
- In traditional Irish society, the ceardaí was often distinguished from the aoibhsear, who was specifically a professional poet and historian.
Examples in context
- Tá an ealaíontóir seo den scoth!This artisan is excellent!
- Is ceardaí den scoth é Fearghal nuair a bhaineann sé le seodra.Fearghal is an excellent jeweler.
- Is ceardaí é.He is an artisan.
- Ní ceardaí é an fear sin.That man is not an artisan.
Example conversation
Oisín and Siobhán are visiting a craft market.
- OisínBreathnaigh ar ansean ceardaí seo, Siobhán.Look at this artisan here, Siobhán.
- SiobhánTá an obair atá aige go hálainn.The work he has is beautiful.
- OisínIs ceardaí oilt é go an coinneach.He is quite a skilled artisan.
- SiobhánBa mhaith liom rud éigin a cheannach uaidh.I would like to buy something from him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “artisan” translations and entries ceardaí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
