HeyRuaHow to say “Gael” in Irish
- Irish:
- Gael
- English:
- Gael, Highlander
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gayl” /ɡeːlˠ/
- Plural:
- Gaeil (Gaels)
- Genitive singular:
- Gaeil, an Ghaeil (e.g. teanga an Ghaeil, the language of the Gael)
- Genitive plural:
- Gael, na nGael (e.g. stair na nGael, the history of the Gaels)
What does “Gael” mean?
“Gael” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- Gael
- An Irish person, or more broadly a person of Gaelic descent or culture, especially one who speaks a Gaelic language.Also: Irish person, Irishman, Gaelic person.
1 other meaning: Highlander
- 2Highlander
- A Scottish Highlander or Gaelic-speaking Scot.Also: Scottish Gael, Scot.
“Gael” with the article
The plural of Gael in Irish is Gaeil. Here is Gael after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gael” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Gael, the Irish word for Gael.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Gael in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for Gael?
The Irish for Gael is Gael (pronounced “gayl”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is Gaeil. Depending on context it can also mean Highlander.
How do you pronounce Gael in Irish?
Gael is said like “gayl” (IPA /ɡeːlˠ/).
What is the plural of Gael in Irish?
The plural of Gael is Gaeil; with the article, na Gaeil means “the Gaels”. The genitive plural is Gael, as in stair na nGael (the history of the Gaels).
Does Gael have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gael can mean Gael or Highlander, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Gael change to Ghael or nGael?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) Gael becomes mo Ghael (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nGael (eclipsis).
What is the opposite of Gael in traditional usage?
Traditionally Gael was contrasted with Gall, a foreigner, especially a Norse or Norman settler, as in 'Gaeil agus Gaill'.
Is Gael the same as Éireannach?
Not exactly: Éireannach means any Irish person, while Gael stresses Gaelic heritage and culture and can include Scottish and Manx Gaels.
