Ghost in Irish (Taibhse): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for ghost?

The Irish for ghost is taibhse (pronounced “TIVE-sheh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is taibhsí. Depending on context it can also mean apparition.

Q: What is the plural of ghost in Irish?

The plural of taibhse is taibhsí; with the article, na taibhsí means “the ghosts”. The genitive plural is taibhsí, as in teach na dtaibhsí (the haunted house).

Q: Does taibhse have more than one meaning?

Yes. Taibhse can mean ghost or apparition, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “ghost” in Irish

Irish:: taibhse
English:: ghost, apparition
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “TIVE-sheh” /ˈt̪ˠəiʃə/

Various forms

Plural:: taibhsí (ghosts)
Genitive singular:: taibhse, na taibhse (e.g. scéal na taibhse, the story of the ghost)
Genitive plural:: taibhsí, na dtaibhsí (e.g. teach na dtaibhsí, the haunted house)

What does “taibhse” mean?

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

ghost: The spirit of a dead person believed to appear to the living.Also: spirit, apparition, spectre, phantom.

1 other meaning: apparition

2apparition: Something seen that seems unreal, an appearance or vision.Also: appearance, vision.

Other Irish words for ghost: sprid (spirit), gósta (ghost)

“Taibhse” with the article

The plural of ghost in Irish is taibhsí. Here is taibhse after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an taibhse

the ghost

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na taibhsí

the ghosts

Plural: no change after na

“Taibhse” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using taibhse, the Irish word for ghost.

Chonaic sí taibhse sa seanteach.

She saw a ghost in the old house.

Ní chreideann sé i dtaibhsí ar chor ar bith.

He doesn't believe in ghosts at all.

Bhí an taibhse ina seasamh ag an doras.

The ghost was standing at the door.

D'inis mo sheanathair scéal taibhse dúinn.

My grandfather told us a ghost story.

Deirtear go bhfuil taibhsí sa chaisleán sin.

They say there are ghosts in that castle.

Tá tú chomh bán le taibhse.

You're as white as a ghost.

Bhí eagla ar na páistí roimh an taibhse.

The children were afraid of the ghost.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Ghost in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for ghost?

The Irish for ghost is taibhse (pronounced “TIVE-sheh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is taibhsí. Depending on context it can also mean apparition.

How do you pronounce taibhse in Irish?

Taibhse is said like “TIVE-sheh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠəiʃə/).

What is the plural of ghost in Irish?

The plural of taibhse is taibhsí; with the article, na taibhsí means “the ghosts”. The genitive plural is taibhsí, as in teach na dtaibhsí (the haunted house).

Does taibhse have more than one meaning?

Yes. Taibhse can mean ghost or apparition, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does taibhse change to thaibhse or dtaibhse?

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

What is the difference between taibhse and sprid?

Both can mean ghost; 'taibhse' is the general word for an apparition, while 'sprid' (or 'spiorad') stresses the spirit itself.

What does taibhseach mean?

The adjective 'taibhseach' means showy or flamboyant, not ghostly; 'taibhsiúil' is closer to ghostly.

Ghost in Irish (Taibhse): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage