Charcoal in Irish (Gualach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for charcoal?

The Irish for charcoal is gualach (pronounced “GOO-uh-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean charcoal (for drawing) or soot coating.

Q: Does gualach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gualach can mean charcoal, charcoal (for drawing) or soot coating, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “charcoal” in Irish

Irish:: gualach
English:: charcoal, charcoal (for drawing), soot coating
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GOO-uh-lukh” /ˈɡuəlˠəx/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gualaigh, an ghualaigh (e.g. mála gualaigh, a bag of charcoal)

What does “gualach” mean?

“Gualach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

charcoal: A black fuel made by burning wood slowly with little air.Also: charcoal fuel, wood charcoal.

2 other meanings: charcoal (for drawing) or soot coating

2charcoal (for drawing): A stick of charcoal used by artists for drawing.Also: charcoal, drawing charcoal, charcoal stick.
3soot coating: A black coating of soot on the outside of a pot or kettle.Also: soot, blackening.

Other Irish words for charcoal: gual (coal)

“Gualach” with the article

Here is gualach after the article (an t-alt).

an gualach

the charcoal

No change after an

“Gualach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gualach, the Irish word for charcoal.

Cheannaigh mé gualach don bheárbaiciú.

I bought charcoal for the barbecue.

Tá an gualach fós te.

The charcoal is still hot.

Las sé tine ghualaigh sa ghairdín.

He lit a charcoal fire in the garden.

Rinne sí pictiúr le gualach.

She made a picture with charcoal.

Tá mo lámha dubh ón ngualach.

My hands are black from the charcoal.

Bhí gualach ar thóin an phota.

There was soot on the bottom of the pot.

Cuir tuilleadh gualaigh ar an tine.

Put more charcoal on the fire.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

dorasdoor aonarone person teilifístelevision uiscewater cuideachtacompany airecare

Charcoal in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for charcoal?

The Irish for charcoal is gualach (pronounced “GOO-uh-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean charcoal (for drawing) or soot coating.

How do you pronounce gualach in Irish?

Gualach is said like “GOO-uh-lukh” (IPA /ˈɡuəlˠəx/).

Does gualach have a plural?

No plural form is given for gualach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does gualach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gualach can mean charcoal, charcoal (for drawing) or soot coating, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gualach change to ghualach or ngualach?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gualach becomes mo ghualach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngualach (eclipsis).

What is the difference between gual and gualach?

Gual is coal dug from the ground, while gualach is charcoal made by burning wood.

Charcoal in Irish (Gualach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage