Clerk in Irish (Cléireach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for clerk?

The Irish for clerk is cléireach (pronounced “KLAY-ruhkh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cléirigh. Depending on context it can also mean cleric or altar server.

Q: What is the plural of clerk in Irish?

The plural of cléireach is cléirigh; with the article, na cléirigh means “the clerks”. The genitive plural is cléireach, as in pá na gcléireach (the clerks' pay).

Q: Does cléireach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cléireach can mean clerk, cleric or altar server, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “clerk” in Irish

Irish:: cléireach
English:: clerk, cleric, altar server
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “KLAY-ruhkh” /ˈclʲeːɾʲəx/

Various forms

Plural:: cléirigh (clerks)
Genitive singular:: cléirigh, an chléirigh (e.g. oifig an chléirigh, the clerk's office)
Genitive plural:: cléireach, na gcléireach (e.g. pá na gcléireach, the clerks' pay)

What does “cléireach” mean?

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

clerk: A person who keeps records, accounts or does office work.Also: office clerk, clerical worker, registrar.

2 other meanings: cleric or altar server

2cleric: A member of the clergy; a churchman.Also: clergyman, churchman.
3altar server: A person, usually a boy, who assists the priest at Mass.Also: altar boy, acolyte, server.

“Cléireach” with the article

The plural of clerk in Irish is cléirigh. Here is cléireach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an cléireach

the clerk

No change after an

na cléirigh

the clerks

Plural: no change after na

“Cléireach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using cléireach, the Irish word for clerk.

Is cléireach í i mbanc sa chathair.

She is a clerk in a bank in the city.

Labhair leis an gcléireach ag an deasc.

Speak to the clerk at the desk.

Bhí mo dheartháir ina chléireach Aifrinn.

My brother was an altar server.

Tá cúigear cléireach ag obair san oifig.

Five clerks work in the office.

Chuir na cléirigh na foirmeacha sa phost.

The clerks posted the forms.

Shínigh mé an leabhar os comhair an chléirigh.

I signed the book in front of the clerk.

Fuair m'iníon post mar chléireach sa chomhairle.

My daughter got a job as a clerk with the council.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Clerk in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for clerk?

The Irish for clerk is cléireach (pronounced “KLAY-ruhkh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is cléirigh. Depending on context it can also mean cleric or altar server.

How do you pronounce cléireach in Irish?

Cléireach is said like “KLAY-ruhkh” (IPA /ˈclʲeːɾʲəx/).

What is the plural of clerk in Irish?

The plural of cléireach is cléirigh; with the article, na cléirigh means “the clerks”. The genitive plural is cléireach, as in pá na gcléireach (the clerks' pay).

Does cléireach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Cléireach can mean clerk, cleric or altar server, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does cléireach change to chléireach or gcléireach?

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

What is the difference between 'cléireach' and 'cléir'?

'Cléireach' is one person, a clerk or cleric, while 'an chléir' is the clergy as a collective body.

How do I say 'he works as a clerk'?

Use 'ina' with lenition: 'Tá sé ina chléireach', or 'Tá sé ag obair mar chléireach'.

Clerk in Irish (Cléireach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage