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Gate in Irish (Geata): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘geata’ also means: gate (at an airport)

The Irish for gate is geata, a masculine noun (plural geataí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “gate” in Irish

Irish:
geata
English:
gate, gate (at an airport)
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“GYAT-uh”  /ˈɟat̪ˠə/
Various forms
Plural:
geataí (gates)
Genitive singular:
geata, an gheata (e.g. glas an gheata, the gate lock)
Genitive plural:
geataí, na ngeataí (e.g. eochracha na ngeataí, the keys of the gates)

What does “geata” mean?

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

gate
A hinged barrier that closes an opening in a wall, fence or hedge.Also: gateway, entrance gate, field gate.
1 other meaning: gate (at an airport)
2gate (at an airport)
A numbered exit at an airport where passengers board a plane.Also: gate, boarding gate, departure gate.

“Geata” with the article

The plural of gate in Irish is geataí. Here is geata after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an geata
the gate
No change after an
na geataí
the gates
Plural: no change after na

“Geata” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using geata, the Irish word for gate.

Dún an geata, le do thoil.
Close the gate, please.
Rith an cat faoin ngeata.
The cat ran under the gate.
Bhí sé ina sheasamh ag an ngeata.
He was standing at the gate.
Tá eochair an gheata caillte agam.
I've lost the key of the gate.
Péinteáil m'athair na geataí go léir inné.
My father painted all the gates yesterday.
Fág na rothair taobh istigh den gheata.
Leave the bikes inside the gate.
Téigh go geata a cúig ag an aerfort.
Go to gate five at the airport.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Gate in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gate?

The Irish for gate is geata (pronounced “GYAT-uh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is geataí. Depending on context it can also mean gate (at an airport).

How do you pronounce geata in Irish?

Geata is said like “GYAT-uh” (IPA /ˈɟat̪ˠə/).

What is the plural of gate in Irish?

The plural of geata is geataí; with the article, na geataí means “the gates”. The genitive plural is geataí, as in eochracha na ngeataí (the keys of the gates).

Does geata have more than one meaning?

Yes. Geata can mean gate or gate (at an airport), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does geata change to gheata or ngeata?

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

What is the difference between 'geata' and 'doras'?

'Geata' is a gate in a wall, fence or field, while 'doras' is the door of a building or room.

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