HeyRuaHow to say “call” in Irish
- Irish:
- glaoch
- English:
- call, summons
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- glaoigh, to call (ag glaoch, calling)
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gleekh” /ɡl̪ˠiːx/
- Genitive singular:
- glaoigh, an ghlaoigh (e.g. costas an ghlaoigh, the cost of the call)
What does “glaoch” mean?
“Glaoch” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- call
- A shout or cry to get someone's attention, or a telephone call; also the verbal noun of the verb glaoigh, the act of calling.Also: calling, phone call, shout, cry.
“Glaoch” as a verbal noun
After ag, glaoch means calling: it is the verbal noun of the verb glaoigh (to call). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Glaoch” with the article
Here is glaoch after the article (an t-alt).
“Glaoch” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using glaoch, 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 glaoch (pronounced “gleekh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean summons.
How do you pronounce glaoch in Irish?
Glaoch is said like “gleekh” (IPA /ɡl̪ˠiːx/).
Does glaoch have a plural?
No plural form is given for glaoch in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does glaoch have more than one meaning?
Yes. Glaoch can mean call or summons, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does glaoch change to ghlaoch or nglaoch?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) glaoch becomes mo ghlaoch (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nglaoch (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to phone someone' in Irish?
Use glaoch a chur ar dhuine, for example Cuirfidh mé glaoch ort, 'I'll call you'. You can also say glaoigh ar dhuine.
What is the difference between glaoch and gairm?
Glaoch is the everyday word for a call or phone call, while gairm is more formal and often means a vocation or profession.
