ceann
/cɑun̪ˠ/masculine
The Irish word for head is ceann.
It can also be used in more abstract senses, such as being the head of an organization or school.
Meaning: part of the body (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
ceann is a variation used in different dialects, particularly in the Connemara region.
How does it change in a sentence?
ceann is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/cɑun̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- Ancient Primitive Irish personal names included cuna-cenni, which literally means 'dog's head'.
- Irish uses ceann to express the concept of 'one' when counting items in a list, such as 'one head' meaning 'one item'.
- In Irish, ceann is used to describe the 'head' or end of a piece of string, a nail, or a road.
Examples in context
- Is mise ceann na scoile.I'm the head of the school.This sentence is useful for showing how to say one is the head of a school using ceann.Tatoeba #3945025 by turklehceleri, translation #3945023 by AlanF_US
- Is é an ceann ball den chorp an duine é.The head is a part of the human body.This sentence is useful for describing the head as a part of the body using ceann.Tatoeba #10317149 by koala, translation #2687340 by mervert1
Example conversation
Conor and Niamh are talking about a bump on the head.
- ConorAn bhfuil do cheann go hiontach, a Niamh?Is your head okay, Niamh?
- NiamhTá an ceann beagán dearg.The head is a bit red.
- ConorAn bhfuil painéir ar do cheann?Do you have a bump on your head?
- NiamhTá, ach níl sé go dona.Yes, but it is not too bad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “head” translations and entries ceann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ceann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
