Chuig/Chun (to, towards)

The prepositions chun and chuig both mean “to” or “towards”. While they have the same core meaning, they are not interchangeable. The main difference is that chun requires the genitive case, while chuig requires the dative case (which is usually the same as the nominative). Their usage also varies by dialect.

Choosing Between ‘chun’ and ‘chuig’

As a general rule, chun is more common in Munster and in the written standard, especially with locations. chuig is more common in Connacht and Ulster, especially when referring to people or events.

• chun requires the genitive case.
• chuig requires the dative case.

Mutations after ‘chuig’

The preposition chuig causes different initial mutations depending on whether it is followed by the definite article an.

• Without the article: No mutation.
  • chuig cailín - to a girl
• With the singular article an: The standard rule is eclipsis (except on d and t).
  • chuig an gcailín - to the girl
  • chuig an bhfear - to the man

Mutations after ‘chun’

The preposition chun is always followed by the genitive case. The mutation is determined by the genitive form of the article.

• Without the article: No mutation, but the noun is in the genitive.
  • chun buachalla - to a boy (genitive of buachaill)
• With the masculine singular article an: Lenition.
  • chun an bhuachalla - to the boy
• With the feminine singular article na: No mutation.
  • chun na mná - to the woman
• With the plural article na: Eclipsis.
  • chun na mban - to the women

Conjugated Forms

When used with pronouns, chuig and chun share a single set of conjugated forms.

Common Uses and Meanings

Movement Towards a Place or Person

This is the most common meaning, equivalent to “to”.

• Scríobh chugam. - Write to me.
• Tá mé ag dul chuig an dochtúir. - I am going to the doctor.

It can also be used with place names that take an article.

• chun na Fraince - to France

Figurative Movement or Change

chun is often used to describe a change of state.

• cuir chun báis - to put to death
• dul chun olcais - to turn to bad / to get worse
• dul chun dearmaid - to be forgotten (lit. “to go to forgetting”)
• chun bealaigh - on the way

Expressing Reason or Purpose

It can mean “for” or “for the sake of”.

• Rinne muid chuig glóire Dé é. - We did it for the glory of God.

Indicating Proximity

chun can mean “at”, “near”, or “close to”.

• chun na gaoithe - close to the wind
• chun mo láimhe - near my hand

Telling Time

chun is used to mean “to” or “before” the hour.

• ceathrú chun a dó - a quarter to two
• Tá sé chun a dó. - It is nearly 2 o’clock.

Future or Upcoming Events

The phrase seo chugainn means “next” or “coming”.

• Dé Luain seo chugainn - next Monday (lit. “Monday this to-us”)

With a Verbal Noun (Purpose)

Used with a verbal noun, chun or chuig means “in order to”.

• chun an fhírinne a rá - in order to tell the truth
• chun teanga a fhoghlaim - in order to learn a language

With a Verbal Noun (Readiness)

It can also indicate that something is ready or suitable for an action.

• Tá an féar chun bainte. - The grass is ready to be cut.
• fear chun cainte - a man for talking (i.e., a talkative man)
• lá chun taistil - a day for travelling
• an aimsir chuige - suitable weather for it

Idiomatic Phrases

• chuige - at all (used as an adverb)
• Chugat leat! - Away with you!

Asking Questions

• cé chuige? - to whom?
• cad chuige? / cá chuige? - for what purpose? / why?

Pronunciation and History

The pronunciation of chun varies significantly by dialect.