HeyRuaHow to say “attendant” in Irish
- Irish:
- giolla
- English:
- attendant, errand boy, caddie
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYIL-uh” /ˈɟɪl̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- giollaí (attendants)
- Genitive singular:
- giolla, an ghiolla (e.g. éide an ghiolla, the attendant's uniform)
- Genitive plural:
- giollaí, na ngiollaí (e.g. obair na ngiollaí, the work of the attendants)
What does “giolla” mean?
“Giolla” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- attendant
- A boy or man who serves or waits on someone, such as a page or manservant.Also: page, manservant, servant, gillie.
2 other meanings: errand boy or caddie
- 2errand boy
- A young person employed to run errands or do odd jobs.Also: gofer, messenger boy, helper.
- 3caddie
- A person who carries a golfer's clubs during a game.Also: caddy, golf caddie.
“Giolla” with the article
The plural of attendant in Irish is giollaí. Here is giolla after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giolla” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giolla, the Irish word for attendant.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Attendant in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for attendant?
The Irish for attendant is giolla (pronounced “GYIL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giollaí. Depending on context it can also mean errand boy or caddie.
How do you pronounce giolla in Irish?
Giolla is said like “GYIL-uh” (IPA /ˈɟɪl̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of attendant in Irish?
The plural of giolla is giollaí; with the article, na giollaí means “the attendants”. The genitive plural is giollaí, as in obair na ngiollaí (the work of the attendants).
Does giolla have more than one meaning?
Yes. Giolla can mean attendant, errand boy or caddie, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does giolla change to ghiolla or ngiolla?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giolla becomes mo ghiolla (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiolla (eclipsis).
What does 'giolla na leisce' mean?
'Giolla na leisce' is a set phrase for a lazy person, a lazybones, literally 'the servant of laziness'.
Is 'giolla' related to the surnames beginning Mac Giolla?
Yes, names like 'Mac Giolla Phádraig' come from 'giolla' meaning servant or devotee, so 'son of the servant of Patrick'.
