HeyRuaHow to say “monkey” in Irish
- Irish:
- moncaí
- English:
- monkey, mischievous child
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MUNG-kee” /ˈmˠɔŋkiː/
- Plural:
- moncaithe (monkeys)
- Genitive singular:
- moncaí, an mhoncaí (e.g. eireaball an mhoncaí, the monkey's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- moncaithe, na moncaithe (e.g. cúram na moncaithe, the care of the monkeys)
What does “moncaí” mean?
“Moncaí” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- monkey
- A tree-climbing primate, usually with a long tail, found in warm countries.Also: primate.
1 other meaning: mischievous child
- 2mischievous child
- A playful or mischievous person, especially a child, called a monkey in fun.Also: monkey, rascal, little devil.
“Moncaí” with the article
The plural of monkey in Irish is moncaithe. Here is moncaí after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Moncaí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using moncaí, the Irish word for monkey.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Monkey in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for monkey?
The Irish for monkey is moncaí (pronounced “MUNG-kee”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is moncaithe. Depending on context it can also mean mischievous child.
How do you pronounce moncaí in Irish?
Moncaí is said like “MUNG-kee” (IPA /ˈmˠɔŋkiː/).
What is the plural of monkey in Irish?
The plural of moncaí is moncaithe; with the article, na moncaithe means “the monkeys”. The genitive plural is moncaithe, as in cúram na moncaithe (the care of the monkeys).
Does moncaí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Moncaí can mean monkey or mischievous child, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does moncaí change to mhoncaí?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhoncaí. After ár (our) it stays ár moncaí, because m does not take eclipsis.
Is 'moncaí' the same as 'ápa'?
No. 'Moncaí' is a monkey, usually with a tail, while 'ápa' is an ape such as a gorilla or chimpanzee.
