Foreigner in Irish (Coigríochach): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for foreigner?

The Irish for foreigner is coigríochach (pronounced “KIG-ree-uh-khukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coigríochaigh. Depending on context it can also mean stranger.

Q: What is the plural of foreigner in Irish?

The plural of coigríochach is coigríochaigh; with the article, na coigríochaigh means “the foreigners”. The genitive plural is coigríochach, as in cearta na gcoigríochach (the rights of the foreigners).

Q: Does coigríochach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coigríochach can mean foreigner or stranger, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “foreigner” in Irish

Irish:: coigríochach
English:: foreigner, stranger
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “KIG-ree-uh-khukh” /ˈkɪɡʲɾʲiəxəx/

Various forms

Plural:: coigríochaigh (foreigners)
Genitive singular:: coigríochaigh, an choigríochaigh (e.g. teach an choigríochaigh, the foreigner's house)
Genitive plural:: coigríochach, na gcoigríochach (e.g. cearta na gcoigríochach, the rights of the foreigners)

What does “coigríochach” mean?

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

foreigner: A person who comes from another country.Also: stranger, outsider, person from abroad.

1 other meaning: stranger

2stranger: A person who is not from the local place and is not known there.Also: outsider, newcomer.

Other Irish words for foreigner: eachtrannach (foreigner)

“Coigríochach” with the article

The plural of foreigner in Irish is coigríochaigh. Here is coigríochach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an coigríochach

the foreigner

No change after an

na coigríochaigh

the foreigners

Plural: no change after na

“Coigríochach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using coigríochach, the Irish word for foreigner.

Is coigríochach é ach labhraíonn sé Gaeilge.

He is a foreigner but he speaks Irish.

Tháinig an coigríochach isteach sa siopa.

The stranger came into the shop.

Bhí mála an choigríochaigh ar an urlár.

The foreigner's bag was on the floor.

Tagann a lán coigríochach anseo sa samhradh.

Lots of foreigners come here in the summer.

Chuir na coigríochaigh ceist orm faoin mbóthar.

The strangers asked me about the road.

Mhothaigh mé mar choigríochach sa chathair mhór.

I felt like a stranger in the big city.

Cuireadh fáilte roimh na coigríochaigh.

The foreigners were welcomed.

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Foreigner in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for foreigner?

The Irish for foreigner is coigríochach (pronounced “KIG-ree-uh-khukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is coigríochaigh. Depending on context it can also mean stranger.

How do you pronounce coigríochach in Irish?

Coigríochach is said like “KIG-ree-uh-khukh” (IPA /ˈkɪɡʲɾʲiəxəx/).

What is the plural of foreigner in Irish?

The plural of coigríochach is coigríochaigh; with the article, na coigríochaigh means “the foreigners”. The genitive plural is coigríochach, as in cearta na gcoigríochach (the rights of the foreigners).

Does coigríochach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Coigríochach can mean foreigner or stranger, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does coigríochach change to choigríochach or gcoigríochach?

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

How does 'coigríochach' differ from 'strainséir'?

'Coigríochach' stresses that someone is from another country, while 'strainséir' is any person you do not know, even a local.

Foreigner in Irish (Coigríochach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage