Irish in Irish (Gaeilge): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for Irish?

The Irish for Irish is Gaeilge (pronounced “GAYL-gyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is Gaeilgí. Depending on context it can also mean Gaelic language.

Q: What is the plural of Irish in Irish?

The plural of Gaeilge is Gaeilgí; with the article, na Gaeilgí means “the Irishes”. The genitive plural is Gaeilgí, as in gaol na nGaeilgí (the relationship of the Gaelic languages).

Q: Does Gaeilge have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaeilge can mean Irish or Gaelic language, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “Irish” in Irish

Irish:: Gaeilge
English:: Irish, Gaelic language
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GAYL-gyuh” /ˈɡeːlʲɟə/

Various forms

Plural:: Gaeilgí (Irishes)
Genitive singular:: Gaeilge, na Gaeilge (e.g. múinteoir na Gaeilge, the Irish teacher)
Genitive plural:: Gaeilgí, na nGaeilgí (e.g. gaol na nGaeilgí, the relationship of the Gaelic languages)

What does “Gaeilge” mean?

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

Irish: The Irish language, the Gaelic language native to Ireland.Also: Irish language, Gaelic, Irish Gaelic.

1 other meaning: Gaelic language

2Gaelic language: Any of the Gaelic languages, such as Irish, Scottish Gaelic or Manx, especially when qualified.Also: Gaelic, goidelic language.

“Gaeilge” with the article

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

an Ghaeilge

the Irish

Lenition: G becomes Gh after an (feminine noun)

na Gaeilgí

the Irishes

Plural: no change after na

“Gaeilge” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using Gaeilge, the Irish word for Irish.

Abair i nGaeilge é, le do thoil.

Say it in Irish, please.

Tá Gaeilge líofa ag mo mháthair.

My mother speaks fluent Irish.

Is breá liom an Ghaeilge.

I love Irish.

Bíonn rang Gaeilge againn gach maidin.

We have an Irish class every morning.

Tá an-Ghaeilge aici ó tháinig sí ón nGaeltacht.

She has excellent Irish since she came back from the Gaeltacht.

Ní raibh mórán Gaeilge agam ar scoil.

I didn't have much Irish at school.

Labhraíonn siad Gaeilge sa bhaile i gcónaí.

They always speak Irish at home.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

grúpagroup corturn CorcaighCork gréasánweb tuismitheoirparent tamallwhile

Phrases with “Gaeilge”

Tá Gaeilge agamI speak Irish Seachtain na GaeilgeSeachtain na Gaeilge Tá beagán Gaeilge agamI speak a little Irish Níl Gaeilge agamI don't speak Irish Tá mé ag foghlaim GaeilgeI am learning Irish

Irish in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for Irish?

The Irish for Irish is Gaeilge (pronounced “GAYL-gyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is Gaeilgí. Depending on context it can also mean Gaelic language.

How do you pronounce Gaeilge in Irish?

Gaeilge is said like “GAYL-gyuh” (IPA /ˈɡeːlʲɟə/).

What is the plural of Irish in Irish?

The plural of Gaeilge is Gaeilgí; with the article, na Gaeilgí means “the Irishes”. The genitive plural is Gaeilgí, as in gaol na nGaeilgí (the relationship of the Gaelic languages).

Does Gaeilge have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gaeilge can mean Irish or Gaelic language, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does Gaeilge change to Ghaeilge or nGaeilge?

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

How do I say 'I speak Irish' in Irish?

Irish uses 'have': Tá Gaeilge agam, literally 'Irish is at me'. To say you speak it well: Tá Gaeilge mhaith agam.

Is it 'Gaeilge' or 'an Ghaeilge'?

Use the article when talking about the language as a subject: Is breá liom an Ghaeilge. Without it after verbs of speaking or knowing: Labhair Gaeilge.

Irish in Irish (Gaeilge): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage