HeyRuaHow to say “chatter” in Irish
- Irish:
- geab
- English:
- chatter, mouth
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gyab” /ɟab/
- Genitive singular:
- geab, an gheab (e.g. neart an gheab, the force of the chatter)
What does “geab” mean?
“Geab” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- chatter
- Idle, lively talk, often fast and continuous; gab or prattle.Also: gab, prattle, idle talk, chat.
1 other meaning: mouth
- 2mouth
- Used colloquially for a person's mouth, especially a talkative one.Also: gob, jaw.
Other Irish words for chatter: cabaireacht (chatter), clabaireacht (chatter), geabaireacht (chatter), cadráil (chatter)
“Geab” with the article
Here is geab after the article (an t-alt).
“Geab” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using geab, the Irish word for chatter.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Chatter in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for chatter?
The Irish for chatter is geab (pronounced “gyab”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean mouth.
How do you pronounce geab in Irish?
Geab is said like “gyab” (IPA /ɟab/).
Does geab have a plural?
No plural form is given for geab in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does geab have more than one meaning?
Yes. Geab can mean chatter or mouth, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does geab change to gheab or ngeab?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) geab becomes mo gheab (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngeab (eclipsis).
How is 'geab' different from 'comhrá'?
'Comhrá' is a neutral word for a conversation, while 'geab' suggests idle or excessive chatter, as in 'Tá an iomarca geab agat'.
