HeyRuaHow to say “family” in Irish
- Irish:
- teaghlach
- English:
- family, household
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TYAY-lukh” /ˈtʲeːl̪ˠəx/
- Plural:
- teaghlaigh (families)
- Genitive singular:
- teaghlaigh, an teaghlaigh (e.g. cuideachta an teaghlaigh, the family's company)
- Genitive plural:
- teaghlach, na dteaghlach (e.g. ioncam na dteaghlach, household income)
What does “teaghlach” mean?
“Teaghlach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- family
- A group of people related to each other, especially parents and their children living together.Also: immediate family, folks.
“Teaghlach” with the article
The plural of family in Irish is teaghlaigh. Here is teaghlach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Teaghlach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using teaghlach, the Irish word for family.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Family in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for family?
The Irish for family is teaghlach (pronounced “TYAY-lukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is teaghlaigh. Depending on context it can also mean household.
How do you pronounce teaghlach in Irish?
Teaghlach is said like “TYAY-lukh” (IPA /ˈtʲeːl̪ˠəx/).
What is the plural of family in Irish?
The plural of teaghlach is teaghlaigh; with the article, na teaghlaigh means “the families”. The genitive plural is teaghlach, as in ioncam na dteaghlach (household income).
Does teaghlach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Teaghlach can mean family or household, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does teaghlach change to theaghlach or dteaghlach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) teaghlach becomes mo theaghlach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dteaghlach (eclipsis).
What is the difference between teaghlach, clann and muintir?
Teaghlach is the family or household as a unit living together, clann usually means a person's children, and muintir means one's people or relatives more broadly, as in muintir an tí.
