HeyRuaHow to say “need” in Irish
- Irish:
- call
- English:
- need, claim
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “kowl” /kaul̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- call, an chall (e.g. easpa an chall, the lack of need)
What does “call” mean?
“Call” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- need
- A need or occasion for something, used mostly in negative phrases such as 'níl call leis' (there is no need for it).Also: call, necessity, occasion.
1 other meaning: claim
- 2claim
- A right or claim to something.Also: right, title.
Other Irish words for need: gá (need), riachtanas (need), teastáil (need)
“Call” with the article
Here is call after the article (an t-alt).
“Call” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using call, the Irish word for need.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Need in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for need?
The Irish for need is call (pronounced “kowl”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean claim.
How do you pronounce call in Irish?
Call is said like “kowl” (IPA /kaul̪ˠ/).
Does call have a plural?
No plural form is given for call in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does call have more than one meaning?
Yes. Call can mean need or claim, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does call change to chall or gcall?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) call becomes mo chall (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcall (eclipsis).
How is 'call' different from 'gá'?
Both mean need: 'gá' is the more common general word (tá gá leis), while 'call' is mostly used in negative or questioning phrases like 'níl call leis' or 'cén call atá leis?'.
Does Irish 'call' mean a phone call?
No, it is a false friend: a phone call is 'glao' or 'glao gutháin'. Irish 'call' means need or claim.
