HeyRuaHow to say “brat” in Irish
- Irish:
- garlach
- English:
- brat, foundling
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAR-lukh” /ˈɡaɾˠl̪ˠəx/
- Plural:
- garlaigh (brats)
- Genitive singular:
- garlaigh, an gharlaigh (e.g. gol an gharlaigh, the crying of the brat)
- Genitive plural:
- garlach, na ngarlach (e.g. máithreacha na ngarlach, the brats' mothers)
What does “garlach” mean?
“Garlach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- brat
- A small child, often used of a naughty or mischievous one, sometimes affectionately.Also: child, urchin, little rascal, kid.
“Garlach” with the article
The plural of brat in Irish is garlaigh. Here is garlach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Garlach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using garlach, the Irish word for brat.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Brat in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for brat?
The Irish for brat is garlach (pronounced “GAR-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is garlaigh. Depending on context it can also mean foundling.
How do you pronounce garlach in Irish?
Garlach is said like “GAR-lukh” (IPA /ˈɡaɾˠl̪ˠəx/).
What is the plural of brat in Irish?
The plural of garlach is garlaigh; with the article, na garlaigh means “the brats”. The genitive plural is garlach, as in máithreacha na ngarlach (the brats' mothers).
Does garlach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Garlach can mean brat or foundling, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does garlach change to gharlach or ngarlach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) garlach becomes mo gharlach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngarlach (eclipsis).
Is 'garlach' an insult?
It can be: 'garlach' often suggests a cheeky or bold child, like 'brat', but it is also used affectionately. For a neutral word use 'páiste' or 'leanbh'.
