HeyRuaHow to say “cheerfulness” in Irish
- Irish:
- gealgháire
- English:
- cheerfulness, bright smile
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYAL-gaw-ruh” /ˈɟal̪ˠˌɣaːɾʲə/
- Plural:
- gealgháirí
- Genitive singular:
- gealgháire, an ghealgháire (e.g. duine lán gealgháire, a person full of cheerfulness)
- Genitive plural:
- gealgháirí, na ngealgháirí (e.g. cuimhne na ngealgháirí, the memory of the cheerful smiles)
What does “gealgháire” mean?
“Gealgháire” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cheerfulness
- A bright, smiling, good-humoured manner or disposition.Also: brightness, good humour, smile, sunniness.
1 other meaning: bright smile
- 2bright smile
- A broad, happy smile or laugh on someone's face.Also: smile, beaming face.
Other Irish words for cheerfulness: spleodar (cheerfulness), soirbhíochas (optimism)
“Gealgháire” with the article
The plural of cheerfulness in Irish is gealgháirí. Here is gealgháire after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gealgháire” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gealgháire, the Irish word for cheerfulness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cheerfulness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cheerfulness?
The Irish for cheerfulness is gealgháire (pronounced “GYAL-gaw-ruh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gealgháirí. Depending on context it can also mean bright smile.
How do you pronounce gealgháire in Irish?
Gealgháire is said like “GYAL-gaw-ruh” (IPA /ˈɟal̪ˠˌɣaːɾʲə/).
What is the plural of cheerfulness in Irish?
The plural of gealgháire is gealgháirí; with the article, it is na gealgháirí. The genitive plural is gealgháirí, as in cuimhne na ngealgháirí (the memory of the cheerful smiles).
Does gealgháire have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gealgháire can mean cheerfulness or bright smile, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gealgháire change to ghealgháire or ngealgháire?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gealgháire becomes mo ghealgháire (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngealgháire (eclipsis).
How is 'gealgháire' different from 'gáire'?
'Gáire' is a laugh, while 'gealgháire' (geal, bright + gáire) means a cheerful, beaming disposition or smile. The related adjective is 'gealgháireach', cheerful.
