Builder in Irish (Tógálaí): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for builder?

The Irish for builder is tógálaí (pronounced “TOH-gaw-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tógálaithe. Depending on context it can also mean breeder or lifter.

Q: What is the plural of builder in Irish?

The plural of tógálaí is tógálaithe; with the article, na tógálaithe means “the builders”. The genitive plural is tógálaithe, as in cumann na dtógálaithe (the builders' association).

Q: Does tógálaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tógálaí can mean builder, breeder or lifter, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “builder” in Irish

Irish:: tógálaí
English:: builder, breeder, lifter
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TOH-gaw-lee” /ˈt̪ˠoːɡaːlˠiː/

Various forms

Plural:: tógálaithe (builders)
Genitive singular:: tógálaí, an tógálaí (e.g. veain an tógálaí, the builder's van)
Genitive plural:: tógálaithe, na dtógálaithe (e.g. cumann na dtógálaithe, the builders' association)

What does “tógálaí” mean?

“Tógálaí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

builder: A person whose work is building houses and other structures.Also: construction worker, building contractor.

2 other meanings: breeder or lifter

2breeder: A person who rears or breeds animals.Also: rearer, raiser.
3lifter: A person or thing that lifts or raises something.Also: raiser.

Other Irish words for builder: foirgneoir (builder)

“Tógálaí” with the article

The plural of builder in Irish is tógálaithe. Here is tógálaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tógálaí

the builder

No change after an

na tógálaithe

the builders

Plural: no change after na

“Tógálaí” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tógálaí, the Irish word for builder.

Is tógálaí é m'athair.

My father is a builder.

Tháinig an tógálaí ar maidin.

The builder came this morning.

Bhí na tógálaithe ag obair ar an díon.

The builders were working on the roof.

Níor íoc siad bille an tógálaí fós.

They haven't paid the builder's bill yet.

Dúirt an tógálaí go mbeadh an teach réidh i mí na Bealtaine.

The builder said the house would be ready in May.

Is tógálaí capall cáiliúil í.

She is a well-known horse breeder.

Tá easpa tógálaithe sa tír faoi láthair.

There is a shortage of builders in the country at present.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Builder in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for builder?

The Irish for builder is tógálaí (pronounced “TOH-gaw-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tógálaithe. Depending on context it can also mean breeder or lifter.

How do you pronounce tógálaí in Irish?

Tógálaí is said like “TOH-gaw-lee” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠoːɡaːlˠiː/).

What is the plural of builder in Irish?

The plural of tógálaí is tógálaithe; with the article, na tógálaithe means “the builders”. The genitive plural is tógálaithe, as in cumann na dtógálaithe (the builders' association).

Does tógálaí have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tógálaí can mean builder, breeder or lifter, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tógálaí change to thógálaí or dtógálaí?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tógálaí becomes mo thógálaí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtógálaí (eclipsis).

What is the difference between tógálaí and foirgneoir?

Both can mean builder; tógálaí is the everyday word, while foirgneoir is more formal or technical. A stonemason is saor cloiche.

Builder in Irish (Tógálaí): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage