Moon in Irish (Gealach): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for moon?

The Irish for moon is gealach (pronounced “GYAL-ukh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean moonlight or white outer ring of boiled potato.

Q: Does gealach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealach can mean moon, moonlight or white outer ring of boiled potato, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “moon” in Irish

Irish:: gealach
English:: moon, moonlight, white outer ring of boiled potato
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “GYAL-ukh” /ˈɟalˠəx/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: gealaí, na gealaí (e.g. solas na gealaí, the light of the moon)

What does “gealach” mean?

“Gealach” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

moon: The large natural body that circles the earth and shines in the night sky.Also: the moon, lunar.

2 other meanings: moonlight or white outer ring of boiled potato

2moonlight: The light that comes from the moon at night.Also: moonshine, brightness of the moon.
3white outer ring of boiled potato: The white floury outer part of a boiled potato.Also: potato ring, outer layer of potato.

Other Irish words for moon: satailít (satellite)

“Gealach” with the article

Here is gealach after the article (an t-alt).

an ghealach

the moon

Lenition: g becomes gh after an (feminine noun)

“Gealach” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using gealach, the Irish word for moon.

Tá an ghealach lán anocht.

The moon is full tonight.

Bhí an ghealach ag soilsiú agus sinn ag siúl abhaile.

The moon was shining as we walked home.

Shiúil an chéad fhear ar an ngealach i 1969.

The first man walked on the moon in 1969.

Chonaic mé solas na gealaí ar an bhfarraige.

I saw the moonlight on the sea.

Ní fheicim an ghealach mar gheall ar na scamaill.

I can't see the moon because of the clouds.

Is maith liom a bheith ag féachaint ar an ngealach.

I like looking at the moon.

Bhí an ghealach an-gheal aréir.

The moon was very bright last night.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Moon in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for moon?

The Irish for moon is gealach (pronounced “GYAL-ukh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean moonlight or white outer ring of boiled potato.

How do you pronounce gealach in Irish?

Gealach is said like “GYAL-ukh” (IPA /ˈɟalˠəx/).

Does gealach have a plural?

No plural form is given for gealach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does gealach have more than one meaning?

Yes. Gealach can mean moon, moonlight or white outer ring of boiled potato, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does gealach change to ghealach or ngealach?

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

What is the difference between 'gealach' and 'ré'?

'Gealach' is the everyday word for the moon, while 'ré' is a literary or poetic word for the moon, also meaning a period of time.

How do you say 'full moon' in Irish?

A full moon is 'gealach lán' or 'lán gealaí', and a new moon is 'gealach úr'.

Moon in Irish (Gealach): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage