HeyRuaHow to say “Irish speaker” in Irish
- Irish:
- Gaeilgeoir
- English:
- Irish speaker, Irish-language enthusiast
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “GAYL-gyohr” /ˈɡeːlʲɟoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers)
- Genitive singular:
- Gaeilgeora, an Ghaeilgeora (e.g. blas an Ghaeilgeora, the Irish speaker's accent)
- Genitive plural:
- Gaeilgeoirí, na nGaeilgeoirí (e.g. líon na nGaeilgeoirí, the number of Irish speakers)
What does “Gaeilgeoir” mean?
“Gaeilgeoir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- Irish speaker
- A person who speaks Irish, especially one who has learned it or is enthusiastic about it.Also: gaelophone, Irish language speaker, Irish learner.
1 other meaning: Irish-language enthusiast
- 2Irish-language enthusiast
- A person who supports and promotes the Irish language, or a learner of it.Also: Gaelic enthusiast, Irish learner, Gaeilgeoir.
“Gaeilgeoir” with the article
The plural of Irish speaker in Irish is Gaeilgeoirí. Here is Gaeilgeoir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Gaeilgeoir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using Gaeilgeoir, the Irish word for Irish speaker.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Irish speaker in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for Irish speaker?
The Irish for Irish speaker is Gaeilgeoir (pronounced “GAYL-gyohr”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is Gaeilgeoirí. Depending on context it can also mean Irish-language enthusiast.
How do you pronounce Gaeilgeoir in Irish?
Gaeilgeoir is said like “GAYL-gyohr” (IPA /ˈɡeːlʲɟoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of Irish speaker in Irish?
The plural of Gaeilgeoir is Gaeilgeoirí; with the article, na Gaeilgeoirí means “the Irish speakers”. The genitive plural is Gaeilgeoirí, as in líon na nGaeilgeoirí (the number of Irish speakers).
Does Gaeilgeoir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gaeilgeoir can mean Irish speaker or Irish-language enthusiast, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does Gaeilgeoir change to Ghaeilgeoir or nGaeilgeoir?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) Gaeilgeoir becomes mo Ghaeilgeoir (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár nGaeilgeoir (eclipsis).
Is a Gaeilgeoir always a native speaker?
No, Gaeilgeoir often means someone who learned Irish or is keen on it; a native speaker is usually called cainteoir dúchais.
What is the difference between Gaeilgeoir and Gaeilge?
Gaeilge is the language itself, while Gaeilgeoir is a person who speaks it.
