HeyRuaHow to say “captivity” in Irish
- Irish:
- géibheann
- English:
- captivity, fetter, distress
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAY-vun” /ˈɟeːvʲən̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- géibhinn (captivities)
- Genitive singular:
- géibhinn, an ghéibhinn (e.g. laethanta an ghéibhinn, the days of captivity)
- Genitive plural:
- géibheann, na ngéibheann (e.g. briseadh na ngéibheann, the breaking of the fetters)
What does “géibheann” mean?
“Géibheann” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- captivity
- The state of being held prisoner or confined, as in the common phrase 'i ngéibheann'.Also: bondage, imprisonment, confinement, prison.
2 other meanings: fetter or distress
- 2fetter
- A chain or shackle used to bind a prisoner or an animal.Also: shackle, bond, chain.
- 3distress
- A situation of great trouble, danger or difficulty.Also: strait, danger, trouble, predicament.
“Géibheann” with the article
The plural of captivity in Irish is géibhinn. Here is géibheann after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Géibheann” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using géibheann, the Irish word for captivity.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Captivity in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for captivity?
The Irish for captivity is géibheann (pronounced “GAY-vun”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is géibhinn. Depending on context it can also mean fetter or distress.
How do you pronounce géibheann in Irish?
Géibheann is said like “GAY-vun” (IPA /ˈɟeːvʲən̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of captivity in Irish?
The plural of géibheann is géibhinn; with the article, na géibhinn means “the captivities”. The genitive plural is géibheann, as in briseadh na ngéibheann (the breaking of the fetters).
Does géibheann have more than one meaning?
Yes. Géibheann can mean captivity, fetter or distress, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does géibheann change to ghéibheann or ngéibheann?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) géibheann becomes mo ghéibheann (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngéibheann (eclipsis).
How is 'géibheann' most often used?
Mostly in the phrase 'i ngéibheann', meaning in captivity or imprisoned, for example 'Bhí sé i ngéibheann', He was in captivity.
Is 'géibheann' the everyday word for a prison building?
No, for the building use 'príosún'. 'Géibheann' is a literary word for captivity or bondage.
