HeyRuaHow to say “gill” in Irish
- Irish:
- geolbhach
- English:
- gill, jaw
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GYOL-uh-vukh” /ˈɟɔl̪ˠəwəx/
- Plural:
- geolbhaigh (gills)
- Genitive singular:
- geolbhaigh, an gheolbhaigh (e.g. dath an gheolbhaigh, the colour of the gill)
- Genitive plural:
- geolbhach, na ngeolbhach (e.g. feidhm na ngeolbhach, the function of the gills)
What does “geolbhach” mean?
“Geolbhach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- gill
- The breathing organ on the side of a fish's head.Also: fish gill, gills.
1 other meaning: jaw
- 2jaw
- The jaw or lower part of the cheek and throat, especially when fleshy, as in a jowl or dewlap.Also: jowl, dewlap, wattle.
“Geolbhach” with the article
The plural of gill in Irish is geolbhaigh. Here is geolbhach after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Geolbhach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using geolbhach, the Irish word for gill.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Gill in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for gill?
The Irish for gill is geolbhach (pronounced “GYOL-uh-vukh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is geolbhaigh. Depending on context it can also mean jaw.
How do you pronounce geolbhach in Irish?
Geolbhach is said like “GYOL-uh-vukh” (IPA /ˈɟɔl̪ˠəwəx/).
What is the plural of gill in Irish?
The plural of geolbhach is geolbhaigh; with the article, na geolbhaigh means “the gills”. The genitive plural is geolbhach, as in feidhm na ngeolbhach (the function of the gills).
Does geolbhach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Geolbhach can mean gill or jaw, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does geolbhach change to gheolbhach or ngeolbhach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) geolbhach becomes mo gheolbhach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngeolbhach (eclipsis).
Is 'geolbhach' used for people?
Mainly it means a fish's gill, but it can also describe a fleshy jaw or jowl. For the ordinary jaw of a person 'giall' is the usual word.
