Gill in Irish (Gáilleach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for gill?

The Irish for gill is gáilleach (pronounced “GAWL-yukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gáilligh. Depending on context it can also mean jowl.

Q: What is the plural of gill in Irish?

The plural of gáilleach is gáilligh; with the article, na gáilligh means “the gills”. The genitive plural is gáilleach, as in dath na ngáilleach (the colour of the gills).

Q: Does gáilleach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gáilleach can mean gill or jowl, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “gill” in Irish

Irish:: gáilleach
English:: gill, jowl
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “GAWL-yukh” /ɡɑːlʲəx/

Various forms

Plural:: gáilligh (gills)
Genitive singular:: gáilligh, an gháilligh (e.g. dath an gháilligh, the colour of the gill)
Genitive plural:: gáilleach, na ngáilleach (e.g. dath na ngáilleach, the colour of the gills)

What does “gáilleach” mean?

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

gill: One of the breathing organs on the side of a fish's head.Also: fish gill, gills.

1 other meaning: jowl

2jowl: The jaw or fleshy lower cheek of a person or animal.Also: jaw, cheek.

“Gáilleach” with the article

The plural of gill in Irish is gáilligh. Here is gáilleach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an gáilleach

the gill

No change after an

na gáilligh

the gills

Plural: no change after na

“Gáilleach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gáilleach, the Irish word for gill.

Tá na gáilligh dearg ar iasc úr.

A fresh fish has red gills.

Rug sé ar an mbreac faoin ngáilleach.

He caught the trout by the gill.

Análaíonn an t-iasc trína gháilligh.

The fish breathes through its gills.

Bhí gáilleach mhór air tar éis na Nollag.

He had a big jowl after Christmas.

Gearr an ceann agus na gáilligh den bhradán.

Cut the head and gills off the salmon.

Bhí an duán sáite sa gháilleach.

The hook was stuck in the gill.

Tá dath bándearg ar gháilligh an éisc seo.

The gills of this fish are pinkish.

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Gill in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gill?

The Irish for gill is gáilleach (pronounced “GAWL-yukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gáilligh. Depending on context it can also mean jowl.

How do you pronounce gáilleach in Irish?

Gáilleach is said like “GAWL-yukh” (IPA /ɡɑːlʲəx/).

What is the plural of gill in Irish?

The plural of gáilleach is gáilligh; with the article, na gáilligh means “the gills”. The genitive plural is gáilleach, as in dath na ngáilleach (the colour of the gills).

Does gáilleach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gáilleach can mean gill or jowl, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gáilleach change to gháilleach or ngáilleach?

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

Is 'gáilleach' the usual word for a fish's gill?

Yes, 'gáilleach' (usually in the plural 'gáilligh') is the standard word for gills; 'geolbhach' is also found with the same meaning.

Gill in Irish (Gáilleach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage