HeyRuaHow to say “church” in Irish
- Irish:
- eaglais
- English:
- church, church building
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AG-uh-lish” /ˈaɡəl̪ˠəʃ/
- Plural:
- eaglaisí (churches)
- Genitive singular:
- eaglaise, na heaglaise (e.g. Sráid na hEaglaise, Church Street)
- Genitive plural:
- eaglaisí, na n-eaglaisí (e.g. ceannairí na n-eaglaisí, leaders of the churches)
What does “eaglais” mean?
“Eaglais” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- church
- The church as an institution or body of Christian believers, such as the Catholic Church.Also: the church, clergy, Christian church.
“Eaglais” with the article
The plural of church in Irish is eaglaisí. Here is eaglais after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Eaglais” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using eaglais, the Irish word for church.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Church in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for church?
The Irish for church is eaglais (pronounced “AG-uh-lish”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is eaglaisí. Depending on context it can also mean church building.
How do you pronounce eaglais in Irish?
Eaglais is said like “AG-uh-lish” (IPA /ˈaɡəl̪ˠəʃ/).
What is the plural of church in Irish?
The plural of eaglais is eaglaisí; with the article, na heaglaisí means “the churches”. The genitive plural is eaglaisí, as in ceannairí na n-eaglaisí (leaders of the churches).
Does eaglais have more than one meaning?
Yes. Eaglais can mean church or church building, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does eaglais sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an eaglais (the church), a heaglais (her church), a n-eaglais (their church), na heaglaisí (the churches).
What is the difference between 'eaglais' and 'séipéal'?
'Eaglais' is the church as an institution or a church building in general, while 'séipéal' is the usual everyday word for a local chapel where Mass is said. People typically say 'ag dul chuig an séipéal' for going to Mass.
