Joist in Irish (Giarsa): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for joist?

The Irish for joist is giarsa (pronounced “GEER-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giarsaí. Depending on context it can also mean girder.

Q: What is the plural of joist in Irish?

The plural of giarsa is giarsaí; with the article, na giarsaí means “the joists”. The genitive plural is giarsaí, as in suíomh na ngiarsaí (the position of the joists).

Q: Does giarsa have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giarsa can mean joist or girder, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “joist” in Irish

Irish:: giarsa
English:: joist, girder
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “GEER-suh” /ˈɟiːəɾˠsˠə/

Various forms

Plural:: giarsaí (joists)
Genitive singular:: giarsa, an ghiarsa (e.g. fad an ghiarsa, the length of the joist)
Genitive plural:: giarsaí, na ngiarsaí (e.g. suíomh na ngiarsaí, the position of the joists)

What does “giarsa” mean?

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

joist: A horizontal beam of wood or steel that supports a floor or ceiling.Also: floor joist, beam.

1 other meaning: girder

2girder: A large beam, usually of steel, that carries weight in a building or bridge.Also: beam, steel beam.

“Giarsa” with the article

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

an giarsa

the joist

No change after an

na giarsaí

the joists

Plural: no change after na

“Giarsa” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using giarsa, the Irish word for joist.

Tá giarsa lofa faoin urlár seo.

There's a rotten joist under this floor.

Chuir an siúinéir an giarsa nua isteach inné.

The carpenter put in the new joist yesterday.

Bhris ceann an ghiarsa leis an meáchan.

The end of the joist broke under the weight.

Tá na giarsaí déanta as darach.

The joists are made of oak.

Bhuail mé mo cheann ar ghiarsa sa siléar.

I hit my head on a beam in the cellar.

Tá scoilt sa ghiarsa os cionn an dorais.

There's a crack in the beam above the door.

Iompraíonn giarsaí cruach meáchan an droichid.

Steel girders carry the weight of the bridge.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Joist in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for joist?

The Irish for joist is giarsa (pronounced “GEER-suh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is giarsaí. Depending on context it can also mean girder.

How do you pronounce giarsa in Irish?

Giarsa is said like “GEER-suh” (IPA /ˈɟiːəɾˠsˠə/).

What is the plural of joist in Irish?

The plural of giarsa is giarsaí; with the article, na giarsaí means “the joists”. The genitive plural is giarsaí, as in suíomh na ngiarsaí (the position of the joists).

Does giarsa have more than one meaning?

Yes. Giarsa can mean joist or girder, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does giarsa change to ghiarsa or ngiarsa?

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

What is the difference between 'giarsa' and 'bíoma'?

'Giarsa' is specifically a joist or girder supporting a floor or structure, while 'bíoma' is a general word for a beam.

Joist in Irish (Giarsa): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage