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Control in Irish (Rialú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rialú’ also means: ruling

The Irish for control is rialú, a masculine noun. Ag rialú is ruling, from the verb rialaigh.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “control” in Irish

Irish:
rialú
English:
control, ruling
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
rialaigh, to rule (ag rialú, ruling)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“REE-uh-loo”  /ˈɾʲiəl̪ˠuː/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
rialaithe, an rialaithe (e.g. córas rialaithe, control system)

What does “rialú” mean?

“Rialú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

control
The act of controlling, regulating or governing something; verbal noun of the verb rialaigh.Also: regulation, governing, ruling, regulating.
1 other meaning: ruling
2ruling
An official decision or ruling, especially one made by a court or authority.Also: decision, judgement.

Other Irish words for control: smacht (control), lámhsmacht (control)

“Rialú” as a verbal noun

After ag, rialú means ruling: it is the verbal noun of the verb rialaigh (to rule). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
rialúverbal noun
=
ag rialúruling

“Rialú” with the article

Here is rialú after the article (an t-alt).

an rialú
the control
No change after an

“Rialú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rialú, the Irish word for control.

Tá rialú na tíre i lámha an rialtais.
The control of the country is in the government's hands.
Níl aon rialú agam ar an aimsir.
I have no control over the weather.
Rinne an chúirt rialú inné.
The court made a ruling yesterday.
Bhí an madra as rialú ar fad.
The dog was completely out of control.
Tá painéal rialaithe sa seomra sin.
There is a control panel in that room.
Is gá rialú níos fearr ar an trácht.
Better control of the traffic is needed.
Tá rialú maith ag an múinteoir ar an rang.
The teacher has good control of the class.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Control in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for control?

The Irish for control is rialú (pronounced “REE-uh-loo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean ruling.

How do you pronounce rialú in Irish?

Rialú is said like “REE-uh-loo” (IPA /ˈɾʲiəl̪ˠuː/).

Does rialú have a plural?

No plural form is given for rialú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does rialú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rialú can mean control or ruling, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between rialú and smacht?

Rialú is control or regulation, often formal or technical, while smacht suggests discipline or mastery, as in smacht a choinneáil ar pháistí.

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