HeyRuaHow to say “member” in Irish
- Irish:
- comhalta
- English:
- member, fellow, foster brother
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOH-ul-tuh” /ˈkoːl̪ˠt̪ˠə/
- Plural:
- comhaltaí (members)
- Genitive singular:
- comhalta, an chomhalta (e.g. ainm an chomhalta, the member's name)
- Genitive plural:
- comhaltaí, na gcomhaltaí (e.g. liosta na gcomhaltaí, the list of members)
What does “comhalta” mean?
“Comhalta” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- member
- A person who belongs to an organisation, committee, board or society.Also: committee member, board member, fellow.
2 other meanings: fellow or foster brother
- 2fellow
- A senior member of a college or learned society, such as a fellow of a university.Also: college fellow, academic fellow.
- 3foster brother
- A person reared together with another as a foster child, a foster brother or foster sister.Also: foster sister, foster sibling, foster child.
Other Irish words for member: ball (member)
“Comhalta” with the article
The plural of member in Irish is comhaltaí. Here is comhalta after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Comhalta” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using comhalta, the Irish word for member.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Member in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for member?
The Irish for member is comhalta (pronounced “KOH-ul-tuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is comhaltaí. Depending on context it can also mean fellow or foster brother.
How do you pronounce comhalta in Irish?
Comhalta is said like “KOH-ul-tuh” (IPA /ˈkoːl̪ˠt̪ˠə/).
What is the plural of member in Irish?
The plural of comhalta is comhaltaí; with the article, na comhaltaí means “the members”. The genitive plural is comhaltaí, as in liosta na gcomhaltaí (the list of members).
Does comhalta have more than one meaning?
Yes. Comhalta can mean member, fellow or foster brother, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does comhalta change to chomhalta or gcomhalta?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) comhalta becomes mo chomhalta (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcomhalta (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'comhalta' and 'ball'?
Both mean member: 'ball' is the everyday word (ball den chlub), while 'comhalta' is more formal and used for boards, committees and the Dáil (comhalta Dála).
