HeyRuaHow to say “jaw” in Irish
- Irish:
- giall
- English:
- jaw, jamb
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “gee-ul” /ɟiəl̪ˠ/
- Plural:
- gialla (jaws)
- Genitive singular:
- géill, an ghéill (e.g. cnámh an ghéill, the jawbone)
- Genitive plural:
- giall, na ngiall (e.g. matáin na ngiall, the jaw muscles)
What does “giall” mean?
“Giall” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- jaw
- One of the two bony parts of the face that hold the teeth; also the jowl or cheek area.Also: jawbone, jowl, cheek.
1 other meaning: jamb
- 2jamb
- The upright side post of a door, window or fireplace.Also: doorpost, door jamb, side post.
Other Irish words for jaw: smig (chin)
“Giall” with the article
The plural of jaw in Irish is gialla. Here is giall after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Giall” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using giall, the Irish word for jaw.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Jaw in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for jaw?
The Irish for jaw is giall (pronounced “gee-ul”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is gialla. Depending on context it can also mean jamb.
How do you pronounce giall in Irish?
Giall is said like “gee-ul” (IPA /ɟiəl̪ˠ/).
What is the plural of jaw in Irish?
The plural of giall is gialla; with the article, na gialla means “the jaws”. The genitive plural is giall, as in matáin na ngiall (the jaw muscles).
Does giall have more than one meaning?
Yes. Giall can mean jaw or jamb, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does giall change to ghiall or ngiall?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) giall becomes mo ghiall (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngiall (eclipsis).
Is 'giall' the same as 'giall' meaning hostage?
No, the hostage word is a separate headword; this entry covers 'giall' as jaw or jamb. Context makes the meaning clear.
What is the usual word for a door jamb?
'Giall dorais' is used, though 'ursain' is also a common word for a doorpost.
