HeyRuaHow to say “disease” in Irish
- Irish:
- galar
- English:
- disease, affliction
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAL-ur” /ˈɡalˠəɾˠ/
- Plural:
- galair (diseases)
- Genitive singular:
- galair, an ghalair (e.g. comharthaí an ghalair, symptoms of the disease)
- Genitive plural:
- galar, na ngalar (e.g. leigheas na ngalar, the cure for the diseases)
What does “galar” mean?
“Galar” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- disease
- An illness or sickness affecting a person, animal or plant.Also: illness, sickness, infection, ailment.
1 other meaning: affliction
- 2affliction
- Distress, sorrow or misery that troubles someone.Also: misery, distress, sorrow.
Other Irish words for disease: aicíd (disease)
“Galar” with the article
The plural of disease in Irish is galair. Here is galar after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Galar” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using galar, the Irish word for disease.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Disease in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for disease?
The Irish for disease is galar (pronounced “GAL-ur”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is galair. Depending on context it can also mean affliction.
How do you pronounce galar in Irish?
Galar is said like “GAL-ur” (IPA /ˈɡalˠəɾˠ/).
What is the plural of disease in Irish?
The plural of galar is galair; with the article, na galair means “the diseases”. The genitive plural is galar, as in leigheas na ngalar (the cure for the diseases).
Does galar have more than one meaning?
Yes. Galar can mean disease or affliction, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does galar change to ghalar or ngalar?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) galar becomes mo ghalar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngalar (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'galar' and 'tinneas'?
'Galar' usually means a specific disease, as in 'galar croí' (heart disease), while 'tinneas' is a more general word for sickness or pain, as in 'tinneas cinn' (headache).
Is there a proverb using 'galar'?
Yes: 'Is fada an galar nach dtagann a leigheas', meaning the illness is long that is never cured, or all things pass in time; also 'Galar gan náire an grá', love is a shameless sickness.
