HeyRuaHow to say “céilí” in Irish
- Irish:
- céilí
- English:
- céilí, social evening
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KAY-lee” /ˈceːlʲiː/
- Plural:
- céilithe (céilís)
- Genitive singular:
- céilí, an chéilí (e.g. ceol an chéilí, the music of the céilí)
- Genitive plural:
- céilithe, na gcéilithe (e.g. oíche na gcéilithe, the night of the céilís)
What does “céilí” mean?
“Céilí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- céilí
- An evening of Irish social dancing, usually to live traditional music.Also: ceilidh, Irish dance, dance, social dance.
1 other meaning: social evening
- 2social evening
- A friendly evening visit or gathering at someone's house for conversation, stories and music.Also: visit, social call, gathering.
“Céilí” with the article
The plural of céilí in Irish is céilithe. Here is céilí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Céilí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using céilí, the Irish word for céilí.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Céilí in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for céilí?
The Irish for céilí is céilí (pronounced “KAY-lee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is céilithe. Depending on context it can also mean social evening.
How do you pronounce céilí in Irish?
Céilí is said like “KAY-lee” (IPA /ˈceːlʲiː/).
What is the plural of céilí in Irish?
The plural of céilí is céilithe; with the article, na céilithe means “the céilís”. The genitive plural is céilithe, as in oíche na gcéilithe (the night of the céilís).
Does céilí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Céilí can mean céilí or social evening, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does céilí change to chéilí or gcéilí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) céilí becomes mo chéilí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcéilí (eclipsis).
Is 'céilí' the same as 'céile'?
No. 'Céilí' is a dance or social evening, while 'céile' means a spouse or companion, as in 'mo chéile'.
What does 'ag céilíocht' mean?
'Ag céilíocht' means going visiting or socialising at neighbours' houses in the evening.
