HeyRuaHow to say “king” in Irish
- Irish:
- rí
- English:
- king, king (in games)
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “ree” /ɾˠiː/
- Plural:
- ríthe
- Genitive singular:
- rí, an rí (e.g. coróin an rí, the king's crown)
- Genitive plural:
- ríthe, na ríthe (e.g. saol na ríthe, the life of kings)
What does “rí” mean?
“Rí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- king
- A male ruler of a country or kingdom, usually by inheritance.Also: monarch, ruler, sovereign.
1 other meaning: king (in games)
- 2king (in games)
- The king piece in chess or draughts, or the king card in a pack of cards.Also: king, chess king, king card.
“Rí” with the article
The plural of king in Irish is ríthe. Here is rí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Rí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using rí, the Irish word for king.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
King in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for king?
The Irish for king is rí (pronounced “ree”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is ríthe. Depending on context it can also mean king (in games).
How do you pronounce rí in Irish?
Rí is said like “ree” (IPA /ɾˠiː/).
What is the plural of king in Irish?
The plural of rí is ríthe; with the article, it is na ríthe. The genitive plural is ríthe, as in saol na ríthe (the life of kings).
Does rí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Rí can mean king or king (in games), depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the Irish for queen?
A queen is 'banríon', literally a woman king, as in 'an Bhanríon Eilís'.
What does the prefix 'rí-' mean?
As a prefix 'rí-' means very or extremely, as in 'rí-mhaith' (excellent).
