HeyRuaHow to say “call” in Irish
- Irish:
- glao
- English:
- call, phone call, summons
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “glay” /ɡl̪ˠeː/
- Plural:
- glaonna (calls)
- Genitive singular:
- glao, an ghlao (e.g. freagra an ghlao, the answer to the call)
- Genitive plural:
- glaonna, na nglaonna (e.g. líon na nglaonna, the number of calls)
What does “glao” mean?
“Glao” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- call
- A loud cry or shout made to attract someone's attention.Also: shout, cry, yell.
“Glao” with the article
The plural of call in Irish is glaonna. Here is glao after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Glao” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using glao, the Irish word for call.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Call in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for call?
The Irish for call is glao (pronounced “glay”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is glaonna. Depending on context it can also mean phone call or summons.
How do you pronounce glao in Irish?
Glao is said like “glay” (IPA /ɡl̪ˠeː/).
What is the plural of call in Irish?
The plural of glao is glaonna; with the article, na glaonna means “the calls”. The genitive plural is glaonna, as in líon na nglaonna (the number of calls).
Does glao have more than one meaning?
Yes. Glao can mean call, phone call or summons, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does glao change to ghlao or nglao?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) glao becomes mo ghlao (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nglao (eclipsis).
How do I say 'give someone a call' in Irish?
Use 'glao a chur ar dhuine' or 'glao a thabhairt ar dhuine', for example 'Cuirfidh mé glao ort'.
What is the difference between 'glao' and 'gairm'?
'Glao' is an everyday call or shout, including a phone call, while 'gairm' is more formal and often means a vocation or profession.
