HeyRuaHow to say “capture” in Irish
- Irish:
- gabháil
- English:
- capture, conquest, armful, singing
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- gabh, to take (ag gabháil, taking)
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GOW-awl” /ˈɡəuɑːlʲ/
- Plural:
- gabhálacha (captures)
- Genitive singular:
- gabhála, na gabhála (e.g. Leabhar Gabhála Éireann, the Book of the Taking of Ireland)
- Genitive plural:
- gabhálacha, na ngabhálacha (e.g. líon na ngabhálacha, the number of seizures)
What does “gabháil” mean?
“Gabháil” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- capture
- The act of catching, seizing or taking hold of something or someone; verbal noun of the verb 'gabh'.Also: seizure, catch, arrest, taking.
3 other meanings: conquest or armful or singing
- 2conquest
- The taking and occupation of a territory by force, as in historical invasions.Also: occupation, invasion, settlement.
- 3armful
- As much as a person can carry in their arms, such as an armful of hay or turf.Also: bundle, load.
- 4singing
- The act of singing or performing a song, as in 'ag gabháil fhoinn'; verbal noun of 'gabh' in this sense.Also: rendering, performance.
“Gabháil” as a verbal noun
After ag, gabháil means taking: it is the verbal noun of the verb gabh (to take). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Gabháil” with the article
The plural of capture in Irish is gabhálacha. Here is gabháil after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gabháil” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gabháil, the Irish word for capture.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Capture in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for capture?
The Irish for capture is gabháil (pronounced “GOW-awl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is gabhálacha. Depending on context it can also mean conquest or armful or singing.
How do you pronounce gabháil in Irish?
Gabháil is said like “GOW-awl” (IPA /ˈɡəuɑːlʲ/).
What is the plural of capture in Irish?
The plural of gabháil is gabhálacha; with the article, na gabhálacha means “the captures”. The genitive plural is gabhálacha, as in líon na ngabhálacha (the number of seizures).
Does gabháil have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gabháil can mean capture, conquest, armful or singing, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gabháil change to ghabháil or ngabháil?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gabháil becomes mo ghabháil (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngabháil (eclipsis).
Is 'ag gabháil' the same as 'ag dul'?
In many dialects, especially Ulster and Munster, 'ag gabháil' is used to mean 'going', so 'ag gabháil abhaile' means 'going home'.
What is the 'Leabhar Gabhála'?
'Leabhar Gabhála Éireann' is the medieval Book of Invasions, telling of the successive takings of Ireland.
