HeyRuaHow to say “gag” in Irish
- Irish:
- gobán
- English:
- gag, soother, small beak
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “guh-BAWN” /ɡəˈbˠɑːn̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- gobáin (gags)
- Genitive singular:
- gobáin, an ghobáin (e.g. dath an ghobáin, the colour of the soother)
- Genitive plural:
- gobán, na ngobán (e.g. paca na ngobán, the pack of soothers)
What does “gobán” mean?
“Gobán” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- gag
- Something put over or into the mouth to stop a person speaking, or a muzzle on an animal.Also: muzzle.
2 other meanings: soother or small beak
- 2soother
- A rubber teat given to a baby to suck; a dummy or pacifier.Also: dummy, pacifier.
- 3small beak
- A small beak or tip; a diminutive of gob.Also: little tip, small point.
“Gobán” with the article
The plural of gag in Irish is gobáin. Here is gobán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gobán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gobán, the Irish word for gag.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Gag in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for gag?
The Irish for gag is gobán (pronounced “guh-BAWN”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gobáin. Depending on context it can also mean soother or small beak.
How do you pronounce gobán in Irish?
Gobán is said like “guh-BAWN” (IPA /ɡəˈbˠɑːn̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of gag in Irish?
The plural of gobán is gobáin; with the article, na gobáin means “the gags”. The genitive plural is gobán, as in paca na ngobán (the pack of soothers).
Does gobán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gobán can mean gag, soother or small beak, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gobán change to ghobán or ngobán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gobán becomes mo ghobán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngobán (eclipsis).
Is gobán related to gob?
Yes, gobán is a diminutive of gob (beak, mouth), so literally a little beak, which explains the senses of gag and soother.
