HeyRuaHow to say “calf” in Irish
- Irish:
- gamhain
- English:
- calf
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GOW-in” /ˈɡəuənʲ/
- Plural:
- gamhna (calves)
- Genitive singular:
- gamhna, an ghamhna (e.g. cloigeann an ghamhna, the calf's head)
- Genitive plural:
- gamhna, na ngamhna (e.g. cró na ngamhna, the calves' pen)
What does “gamhain” mean?
- calf
- A young bovine animal, especially a young cow or bull up to about a year old.Also: young cow, yearling, young bullock.
“Gamhain” with the article
The plural of calf in Irish is gamhna. Here is gamhain after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gamhain” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gamhain, the Irish word for calf.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Calf in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for calf?
The Irish for calf is gamhain (pronounced “GOW-in”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gamhna.
How do you pronounce gamhain in Irish?
Gamhain is said like “GOW-in” (IPA /ˈɡəuənʲ/).
What is the plural of calf in Irish?
The plural of gamhain is gamhna; with the article, na gamhna means “the calves”. The genitive plural is gamhna, as in cró na ngamhna (the calves' pen).
Why does gamhain change to ghamhain or ngamhain?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gamhain becomes mo ghamhain (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngamhain (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'gamhain' and 'lao'?
Both mean calf; 'lao' is often a very young calf and is common in Connacht and Ulster, while 'gamhain' is widely used for a calf or yearling.
