HeyRuaHow to say “college” in Irish
- Irish:
- coláiste
- English:
- college, secondary school, Irish summer college
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOL-awsh-tyuh” /ˈkɔlˠɑːʃtʲə/
- Plural:
- coláistí (colleges)
- Genitive singular:
- coláiste, an choláiste (e.g. príomhoide an choláiste, the principal of the college)
- Genitive plural:
- coláistí, na gcoláistí (e.g. mic léinn na gcoláistí, the students of the colleges)
What does “coláiste” mean?
“Coláiste” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- college
- An institution for higher or further education, or a constituent part of a university.Also: third-level college, university college.
2 other meanings: secondary school or Irish summer college
- 2secondary school
- A second-level school, often used in school names such as a community or vocational college.Also: community school, school.
- 3Irish summer college
- A summer course in the Gaeltacht where students go to learn Irish.Also: Irish college, Gaeltacht course, summer college.
Other Irish words for college: ollscoil (university)
“Coláiste” with the article
The plural of college in Irish is coláistí. Here is coláiste after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Coláiste” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using coláiste, the Irish word for college.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
College in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for college?
The Irish for college is coláiste (pronounced “KOL-awsh-tyuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coláistí. Depending on context it can also mean secondary school or Irish summer college.
How do you pronounce coláiste in Irish?
Coláiste is said like “KOL-awsh-tyuh” (IPA /ˈkɔlˠɑːʃtʲə/).
What is the plural of college in Irish?
The plural of coláiste is coláistí; with the article, na coláistí means “the colleges”. The genitive plural is coláistí, as in mic léinn na gcoláistí (the students of the colleges).
Does coláiste have more than one meaning?
Yes. Coláiste can mean college, secondary school or Irish summer college, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does coláiste change to choláiste or gcoláiste?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) coláiste becomes mo choláiste (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcoláiste (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'coláiste' and 'ollscoil'?
'Ollscoil' means university, while 'coláiste' is a college, which may be part of a university, a separate third-level institution, or even a secondary school name.
What does 'dul chuig an gColáiste' mean to Irish students?
It often refers to going to a 'Coláiste Gaeilge', a summer course in the Gaeltacht for learning Irish.
